1. Leticia Martinez Aguilar DG FISH Unit A2 June 2007
Update on recent fisheries developments at EU level relevant to the EU marine strategy.
Leticia Martinez Aguilar
DG FISH Unit A2
June 2007

2. CFP reform priority objectives. Developments since 2002.
Environmental integration
Long term plans to reduce fishing pressure
Capacity reduction
Improved control
Improved stakeholder consultation
Ecosystem approach

3. Main instrument of the reform: Council Regulation 2371/2002
Article 2
Objectives
1. The Common Fisheries Policy shall ensure exploitation of living aquatic resources that provides sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions. For this purpose, the Community shall apply the precautionary approach in taking measures designed to protect and conserve living aquatic resources, to provide for their sustainable exploitation and to minimise the impact of fishing activities on marine eco-systems. It shall aim at a progressive implementation of an eco-system-based approach to fisheries management. It shall aim to contribute to efficient fishing activities within an economically viable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture industry, providing a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities and taking into account the interests of consumers.

4. Environmental integration
The reformed CFP through its framework Regulation ((EC) No 2371/2002) allows for the implementation of fisheries measures for the protection of the marine environment.

5. Legislation under CFP to protect vulnerable species and habitats
Shark finning
Protection of cetaceans from by-catch
Protection of vulnerable deep-sea habitats such as coral reefs (Darwin Mounds, Macaronesian Isles)
Mediterranean Regulation
Driftnet bans for large pelagic stocks
Fisheries restrictive areas in the Mediterranean and North East Atlantic

6. Natura 2000 network in the marine environment.
MS propose Natura 2000 sites and conservation measures including fisheries management measures when needed.
Commission proposes fisheries management measures under the CFP. Four guiding principles: consultation, proportionality, non discrimination, monitoring and control.
On the basis of Article 37 of the EC Treaty the Council of Ministers adopts proposed measures.

7. Major change in fisheries management. Long term plans.
More stocks are now under long-term plans
Effort management more widely introduced as additional conservation tool.
MSY Communication adopted by the Commission in 2006: MSY to help prevent collapse of fish stocks and help rebuilding depleted stocks.
Proposal for eel management possible adoption June 2007

8. Discard Communication adopted in March 2007
Adoption of progressive fishery by fishery discard ban
To reduce by-catches and eliminate discards in European fisheries
Standards for maximum acceptable by-catch.
First proposals due in 2008

9. Improve control. Fight against IUU
Insufficient implementation and compliance of CFP rules by many MSs is a major concern.
EU Fisheries control agency: strengthen inspection and control. Make enforcement more uniform throughout EU
Recent legislation on the use of electronic logbooks by skippers and VRS to tackle illegal fishing practices.
Work in progress on an EU plan to reduce IUU fishing. Expected adoption in 2007.

10. Stakeholder consultation
RACs. Play important role. The Commission increasingly takes account of their advice and initiatives when formalising its proposals.
IA studies. More attention to social and economic consequences of new policies.

11. International and Regional organisations
Active participation of DG FISH and MSs in the UNCLOS process: adoption of ‘2006 Sustainable fisheries Resolution’ to ensure biodiversity protection in the high seas. Ongoing work on a proposal for an implementation agreement.
RFMOs. The Commission promotes measures to improve sustainable fishing.

12. Research and data collection
7th FPR. Major effort to study interactions between fisheries and the environment and develop mitigation measures
New data collection Regulation. Environmental data will be collected as from 2009
Recent studies and research projects to select relevant impact indicators.

13. Ecosystem approach to fisheries management
The Commission will present a Communication on the ecosystem approach in the framework of the Maritime Policy package.
The Communication will build on actions taken in the past. In the 2001 Reykjavik Declaration in particular.
It will sum up what’s been done so far and look into future initiatives in this area.

14. Ecosystem approach must build on existing policies.
Maritime policy: overriding integrative policy making the link between sectoral policies
Marine Strategy: environmental pillar of Maritime policy.
Fisheries pillar. Contribution from the CFP » to promote sustainable use of the seas and conserve marine ecosystems », which is the overall aim of the marine strategy.