exchange of views with virginijus sinkevičius ... january 2020... · exchange of views with marija...
TRANSCRIPT
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COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
Monday 20 January (15.00 –18:30) &
Tuesday 21 January (9.00 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 18.30)
Paul-Henri Spaak (5B001) in Brussels
►Exchange of views with Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries
►Exchange of views with Marija Vučković, Minister of Agriculture, on the priorities of the Croatian Presidency
►Vote on the draft recommendations on Protocols on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreements with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2019-2024) (with resolution) and with the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
►Consideration of the draft report on Introduction of capacity limits for Eastern Baltic cod, data collection and control measures in the Baltic Sea
Words from the Chair page 2 On-going dossiers page 3 Studies & briefing notes page 7 Fisheries news page 8 AC meetings page 16 International meetings page 17 Partnership agreements page 18 Committee on Fisheries page 20 Calendar of PECH meetings page 21
Next meetings of the Committee on Fisheries:
19-20 February 2020
Next public hearing:
„Measures to improve sustainable aquaculture in
the EU“ (19 February)
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© European Union (2019) European Parliament
Chris DAVIES Chair of Committee on Fisheries
Dear Friends,
Are we within touching distance of restoring fish stocks above maximum sustainable yield, as the Commission seems to suggest, or are we still ignoring the overfishing that threatens the survival of many species, as the NGOs claim? Both sides can justify their position if they choose the right statistics, and maybe the need to agree just what will be measured is an issue to explore when the committee hears the report-back from December's Council meeting where the 2020 catch limits (TACs) were set.
That meeting would also have been a baptism of fire for our new oceans and fisheries commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius. He will be with the committee on Monday. Even though most Commission proposals were agreed we might ask why the scientific recommendations were not always accepted my ministers, and with Brexit looming maybe there will be some questions about the forthcoming negotiations with Britain that are of such concern to Europe's fishing industry.
Of course, our commissioner's portfolio also includes the environment, which means he should be able to get DG Environment and DG Mare to work together and press EU member states not only to increase the number of marine protected areas but also to put in place proper governance arrangements. A plan of action is needed if his ambitions for protecting marine biodiversity and creating fish stock recovery areas are to be realised.
This is still the commissioner's honeymoon period but tough times lie ahead. It is claimed that more than 10,000 dolphins are being mutilated and killed each year in the Bay of Biscay as bycatch, despite them being a protected species. How many dolphins have to die before curbs are placed on commercial fishing practices? I can't see that question being answered to everyone's satisfaction!
By way of a finale on Tuesday we shall be taking a look ahead to the next reform of the CFP. Can we raise our sights, restore some of the former abundance of our seas, and give an even better future for our fishing industry?
But after that I would like to invite members and committee visitors for a post-meeting drink so that British members can say farewell. For my part I can only say that I have loved every moment of being the committee's chair. I hope you have found our debates of interest, and I wish members, and Europe's fish, all the very best for the future.
Chris DAVIES
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COD reports Rapporteur Type of
procedure PECH
Committee vote
Plenary Session
Vote
Fisheries control COM(2018)0368 - C8-0238/2018 2018/0193 (COD) PECH/9/00323
Aguilera COD TBC TBC
Introduction of capacity limits for Eastern Baltic cod, data collection and control measures in the Baltic Sea, and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards permanent cessation for fleets fishing for Eastern Baltic cod COM(2019)0564 - C9-0161/2019 2019/0246 (COD) PECH/9/01787
Herbst COD 16-17/03/2020 TBC
Reports adopted in EP 1st reading (awaiting 2nd reading)
Rapporteur Type of
procedure PECH
Committee vote
Plenary Session
Vote
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund COM(2018)0390 - C8-0270/2018 2018/0210(COD) PECH/8/13776
Millán Mon COD TBC 1st Reading:
04/04/2019
NLE reports Rapporteur Type of
procedure PECH
Committee vote
Plenary Session
Vote
Conclusion of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (2019-2024) 08662/2019 - COM(2019)0137 - C9-0004/2019 2019/0078(NLE) PECH/9/00456
Monteiro De Aguiar
NLE (with
Resolution) 19/02/2020 TBC
Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2019-2024) 08928/2019 - COM(2019)0171 - C9-0011/2019 2019/0090(NLE) PECH/9/00462
Ferreira NLE (with
Resolution) 21/01/2020
MARCH I 2020
https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0193(COD)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0246(COD)&l=enhttp://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0210(COD)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0078(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&reference=2019/0090(NLE)
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Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community COM(2019)0377 - 2019/0173(NLE) PECH/9/01195
Melo NLE 21/01/2020 MARCH I
2020
Protocol to amend the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 13447/2019 - COM(2019)0472 - C9- 0187/2019 - 2019/0225 (NLE) PECH/9/01620
Conte NLE 16-17/03/2020 APRIL 2020
Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Senegal and the European Union 13484/2019 - COM(2019)0473 - C9-0178/2019 - 2019/0226(NLE) PECH/9/01701
Bilbao Barandica
NLE 29-30/04/2020 JUNE I 2020
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania concerning the extension of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and expiring on 15 November 2019 12928/2019 - COM(2019)0448 - C9-0175/2019 - 2019/0210 (NLE) PECH/9/01497
Aguilera NLE 29-30/04/2020 JUNE I 2020
Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its Implementing Protocol (2020-2026) between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles COM(2020)0002 - 2020/0002(NLE) PECH/9/02217
TBC NLE TBC TBC
https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0173(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0225(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0226(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/0210(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/0002(NLE)&l=fr
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INI reports Rapporteur Type of
procedure PECH
Committee vote
Plenary Session
Vote
The impact on the fishing sector of offshore windfarms and other renewable energy systems 2019/2158 (INI) PECH/9/01965
van Dalen INI TBC TBC
Challenges and opportunities for the fishing sector in the Black Sea 2019/2159 (INI) PECH/9/01967
Hristov INI TBC TBC
Fishers for the future: Attracting a new generation of labour to the fishing industry and generating employment in coastal communities 2019/2161 (INI) PECH/9/01969
Pizarro INI TBC TBC
More fish in the seas? Measures to promote stock recovery above MSY, including fish recovery areas and marine protected areas 2019/2162 (INI) PECH/9/01971
Roose INI TBC TBC
Opinions Rapporteur Type of
procedure PECH
Committee vote
Vote Lead
Committee
Conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam COM(2018)0691 - 06050/2019- C9-0023/2019 2018/0356(NLE) PECH/9/00631
Bartolo NLE (with
Resolution) 03/12/2019
INTA 20/01/2020
2018 discharge: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) COM(2019)0316 - C9-0080/2019 2019/2085 (DEC) PECH/9/00829
González Casares
DEC 03/12/2019
CONT
20/02/2020
*Note on procedures:
COD: Ordinary legislative procedure; INI: Own-Initiative;
NLE: Non-legislative (consent to international agreements); DEC: Discharge; BUD: Budget
https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2158(INI)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2159(INI)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2161(INI)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2162(INI)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2018/0356(NLE)&l=enhttps://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2019/2085(DEC)&l=en
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REQUESTED: Electronic technologies in monitoring, control and surveillance of EU fisheries - challenges and opportunities (workshop) The CFP infringement procedures and imposed sanctions in the EU (study) PUBLISHED (SINCE 2016): CFP and fisheries management Implementation and impact of the key European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) measures on the CFP The discard ban and the landing obligation in the Western- Mediterranean Sea - The Italian case The discard ban and the landing obligation in the Western- Mediterranean Sea - The Spanish case Social and Economic impact of the penalty point system Scientific Advice in Fisheries Management - Introduction to Stock Assessment and Maximum Sustainable Yield Ranges Workshop on The discard ban and its impact on the Maximum Sustainable Yield objective on fisheries The discard ban and its impact on the MSY objective - The Bay of Biscay case/The Baltic Sea/The North Sea Options of handling choke species in view of the EU landing obligation - the Baltic plaice example Landing obligation and choke species in mixed fisheries - North Sea/North-Western Waters/South-Western Waters European fisheries - latest developments and future challenges Stocks Situation of the clam (Tapes spp) fisheries sector in the EU Environmental, social and economic sustainability of the European eel management The European eel: reproductive biology, migration and sustainable management Structural Policy and economics Markets of fisheries and aquaculture products: The added value chain and the role of promotion, labelling and consumer information - Small-scale fisheries case Feasibility of measuring socio-economic and environmental impacts of recreational and semi-subsistence fisheries in the EU Seafood Industry Integration in the EU The management of the fishing fleets in the outermost regions Sustainable 'blue growth' in the EU and opportunities for small-scale fisheries Regional ocean governance in Europe: the role of fisheries “Marine Recreational and Semi-subsistence fishing - its value and its impact on fish stocks” Training of Fishers Workshop on the Implementation and Impact of EMFF Measures on the Common Fisheries Policy Seafood Industry Integration in the EU 2018 External dimension Impact of fisheries partnership agreements in the development of employment in the EU and in third countries Consequences of Brexit for the Common Fisheries Policy Legal framework for governance Trade and economic related issues Resources and fisheries Mission briefings Fisheries in Madeira/Japan/Guadeloupe (2017) Fisheries in Andalusia/Finland/Ireland/Vietnam (2018)
@ You can access the studies and other documents via this link
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/supporting-analyses.html
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION News - Press service
The octopus pots in Senegal 13/01/2020
Our Story of the month comes from Senegal
in West Africa, where the European Union
supports women’s employment, building on
traditional knowledge, and supports local
fishermen while sustainably managing
fisheries resources, especially octopus.
Octopus is a highly valuable fisheries resource
that sells at a high price on the international
market and is an important source of income
for Senegalese fishermen and women. This
year 15,000 clay pots were submerged in
Senegalese local waters to form artificial reefs.
These reefs provide shelter and safeguard the
cluster of octopus leading to an increase of
octopus biomass and benefiting local fisheries.
The clay pots forming the artificial reefs are
produced by local women based on traditional
knowledge passed on through generations. The
work provides the women with a mean to
support their families, while playing a central
part in revitalizing the beneficial octopus
fisheries. The EU-funded project was financed
by the sectoral support under the Sustainable
Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA)
between the European Union and the Republic
of Senegal. Read more
How was EU funding put to use? 20/12/2019
The 2018 implementation report of the
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
(EMFF) is now available. It summarises
EMFF implementation across EU countries
and sea basins according to specific topics
during the period 2014-2018. The report is
based on data provided by the Member
States in 2019, covering the period from
January 2014 to December 2018.
In terms of activities, the report shows that
most funding went to data collection on
fisheries and aquaculture activities (€362.4
million committed) which helps improve stock
assessments and understanding of the state of
these sectors, including socio-economic
conditions. Control and enforcement (€293.5
million committed) and productive
investments in aquaculture (€241.5 million)
came in the second and third positions.
The EMFF is one of the five European
Structural and Investment (ESI) funds. The
Strategic Report for the ESI funds along with
an overview fact sheet about implementation
of the funds in each Member State, and a
summary of ESI fund evaluations were all
published on 17 December 2019.
The ESI Funds Open Data Platform has also
been updated to coincide with the report. The
EMFF page now shows achievements such as
the number of jobs maintained in fisheries
(6,518 full-time equivalent), the volume of
aquaculture production (150,749 tonnes) or the
surface area of Natura 2000 areas (1,456 km²),
which the EMFF helps to maintain and protect.
As with the EMFF implementation report and
the Strategic Report, the information presented
is based on data submitted by the Member
States in 2019. Read more
#COP25: EU Ocean Day highlights role of oceans in tackling climate change 18/12/2019
Healthy oceans are a priority in the fight
against climate change. They are the first
victim of global warming, but they also offer
some of the most effective solutions.
To reinforce that point, the European
Commission has organised an ‘EU Ocean Day’
on 7 December during the COP25, the UN
Climate Change Conference in Madrid.
Also the EU countries are on board. In
November, they adopted conclusions on
oceans and seas, stressing that climate change
is a direct and existential threat to life in the
oceans and seas globally. They called for
increased action at all levels of government to
protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
Climate change is having far-reaching impact,
not least on fisheries. Shifts in species
http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/index.cfm?universe_acronym=marehttp://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/index.cfm?universe_acronym=marehttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/octopus-pots-senegal_enhttps://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/mare/document.cfm?doc_id=64052https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/asr2019/esif_asr2019_en.pdfhttps://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/how/stages-step-by-step/strategic-report/https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/asr2019/esif_asr2019_swd_en.pdfhttp://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/funds/emffhttps://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/funds/emffhttps://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/funds/emffhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/how-was-eu-funding-put-use_en
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distribution, in migration patterns and in
abundance, creates important challenges for
sustainable fisheries management at both
national and international level. Read more
EU and Norway reach agreement on the fisheries arrangements for 2020 17/12/2019
The EU and Norway have signed three
fisheries arrangements for 2020 making this
the largest fishing agreement in the north of
Europe.
The parties signed two bilateral arrangements
and a neighboring arrangement following three
rounds of negotiations in November and
December. The bilateral arrangements cover
the North Sea and the Atlantic, and Skagerrak
and Kattegat, whilst the neighbouring
arrangement covers the Swedish fishery in
Norwegian waters of the North Sea.
The EU and Norway have agreed on quotas for
the jointly-managed fish stocks in the North
Sea (cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, herring,
and saithe) and Skagerrak (cod, haddock,
whiting, plaice, shrimp, herring and sprat), as
well as an exchange of reciprocal fishing
possibilities.
In the North Sea, 5 out of 6 stocks jointly-
managed with Norway have been set in line
with the ICES scientific advices, at maximum
sustainable yield (MSY) levels. This results in
quota reductions in 2020 for saithe (-15%) and
whiting (-13%), but increases in haddock
(+23%) and plaice (+17%). A roll-over was set
for herring.
Concerning the North Sea cod stock, the EU
had advocated for a strict application of the
MSY approach for 2020, which would have
resulted in a 61% TAC decrease.
Unfortunately, the TAC was set at 17.679
tonnes (50% less than in 2019), a less
ambitious decrease than the EU had hoped for.
The two parties have however agreed to
implement a range of additional measures,
such as closures of areas and measures to
protect adult and juvenile cod during the year.
The EU will also implement a specific control
and inspection programme to further reduce
catches of juveniles.
The EU and Norway also agreed to roll-over
last year’s agreement on quota exchanges. In
particular, the EU received over 21,518 tonnes
of Arctic cod.
These agreed arrangements will ensure
continuation of fishing operations for both
Parties in each other's waters from 1 January
2020.
For further details, read the agreed records.
All-Atlantic Ocean Research Forum, 6 – 7 February 2020, registration now open! 13/12/2019
Register now for the All-Atlantic Ocean
Research Forum, taking place on 6 – 7
February 2020 in Brussels!
Don’t miss this great opportunity to shape the
future of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research, to
network and join a wide-ranging audience of
leading political and ocean leaders including
youth, and a host of renowned researchers,
entrepreneurs, academics, civil society and
many more inspirational speakers.
The Forum will define the new strategic
direction and political ambitions for the
Alliance, which was launched with the
signings of the European Union – United
States – Canada Galway Statement in 2013,
and the European Union – Brazil – South
Africa Belém Statement in 2017. In particular,
the Forum will define how the Alliance will
deliver on the European Green Deal, the UN
Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable
Development, the Horizon Europe Mission
Healthy Oceans, Seas, Coastal and Inland
Waters, and a just transition to a healthy ocean
and a climate neutral planet.
The Forum, which is part of the international
dimension of the updated EU Atlantic
Maritime Strategy, will also be the occasion to
launch the All-Atlantic Ocean Youth
Ambassadors Forum.
Join leading artists, scientists, and thought-
leaders as they take you on an expedition of
artistic, cultural and collaborative discoveries
dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding
of the Ocean through the lens of art and to
engendering creative solutions to our most
pressing issues. Read more
https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/press/cop25-eu-ocean-day-highlights-role-oceans-tackling-climate-change_enhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/international/agreements/norwayhttps://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/pdf/galway_statement_atlantic_ocean_cooperation.pdfhttp://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/pdf/belem_statement_2017_en.pdfhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/all-atlantic-ocean-research-forum-6-–-7-february-2020-registration-now-open_en
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Commission notifies the Republic of Panama over the need to step up action to fight against illegal fishing 12/12/2019
The European Commission has notified the
Republic of Panama about the risk of being
identified as a non-cooperating country in the
fight against illegal, unreported and
unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Republic of Panama had already received
a yellow card in November 2012, which was
then lifted in October 2014.
The decision is based on the identification of
various shortcomings that constitute
significant backtracking compared to
improvements observed from 2012 to 2014.
This undermines the country's ability to
comply with its duties under international law
as flag, port, coastal and market state. Panama
is encouraged to step up its actions to ensure
adequate control over the activities of its
vessels to prevent and deter them from
engaging or supporting IUU fishing. In
particular, Panama should ensure an effective
monitoring of the activities of its fishing and
fishing related vessels and an adequate
implementation of its enforcement and
sanctioning system. In addition, it should also
ensure adequate implementation of the ‘Port
State Measures Agreement' (1) in order to
prevent fish stemming from IUU fishing
activities from reaching its market or others,
and to deter IUU fishing vessels from receiving
port services. An adequate control of the
activity of processing plants – especially those
exporting to the EU – is of paramount
importance.
The yellow card is a warning and offers
Panama the chance to react and take measures
to rectify the situation within a reasonable
time. Read more
EU and Faroe Islands agree on fishing arrangements for 2020 11/12/2019
On December 10th, the European Union
and the Faroe Islands have reached an
agreement on reciprocal exchanges of
fishing opportunities in each other’s waters
for 2020. The new agreement allows for the
exchange of a number of important quotas
for the European Union, such as cod,
haddock, saithe and redfish, with Norway
pout and blue whiting for the Faroe Islands.
The Parties have also agreed reciprocal
access to each other’s waters for mackerel,
Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting.
Details of reciprocal arrangements agreed
for 2020 Quotas agreed by the parties for 2020 (in
tonnes)
For the European Union from the Faroe
Islands:
Cod and haddock 885
Saithe 2,600
Redfish 100
Blue ling and ling 1,885
Flatfish 50
Blue whiting 2,500
Other species 700
For the Faroe Islands from the European
Union:
Ling and tusk 200
Blue ling 150
Horse mackerel 1,600
Norway pout 5,000
Blue whiting 10,000
Sprat 1,000
Other white fish 150
Herring 250
Northern deep-water prawns 1,200
Greenland halibut 110
The parties have also agreed access to each
other’s waters for:
34,856 tonnes of mackerel
37,500 tonnes of blue whiting
7,000 tonnes of Atlanto-Scandian
herring
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_19_6755
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Climate change: EU stresses the need to address the impacts of climate change on oceans at UN General Assembly 11/12/2019
The UN General Assembly (UNGA)
adopted on 10 December two resolutions on
Oceans and Law of the Seas and on
Sustainable Fisheries. In this context, the
EU called for urgent, resolute and ambitious
international action by all States in line with
agreed commitments to counter the impacts
of climate change on the oceans such as
ocean acidification, ocean-warming,
reduced fisheries catch potential and rising
sea levels.
The EU regrets that there was no agreement on
reflecting the findings and recommendations
of the Special Report of the Intergovernmental
Panel Climate Change (IPCC) on Oceans and
the Cryosphere in these resolutions as
suggested by the EU and numerous other
delegations including Small Island States and
African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. For
this reason, the EU Member States have
chosen not to co-sponsor the Sustainable
Fisheries resolution, unlike in previous years.
Nevertheless, the EU welcomes the fact that
the resolution on sustainable fisheries made
progress on a number of key issues, in
particular the social dimension of fisheries,
which is a longstanding EU priority. In line
with commitments to ensure decent work for
all, the EU proposed measures to promote
equality and the recognition of the role of
women in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors
as well as improved labour conditions and
safety aboard fishing vessels. The EU
encourages the ratification of the ILO Work in
Fishing Convention and the Cape Town
Agreement by all states. The EU also supports
the work of the FAO with regard to Social
Responsibility to tackle labour right violations
and human rights abuses, which are known to
occur along the fisheries value chain.
25 years after its entry into force, the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) remains the overarching legal
framework for ocean governance. The EU
continues to encourage all UN states to ratify it
to achieve universal participation. In addition,
the EU looks forward to the finalisation of
negotiations next year of the new
implementing agreement for the conservation
and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in
areas beyond national jurisdiction. The
finalisation of the new implementing
agreement will ensure that the Convention is
able to meet current challenges. Read more
Latest Euronews Ocean episode shows the climate-related challenges that Small Island Developing States are facing 06/12/2019
In this episode, Euronews is visiting
Seychelles to see some of the climate-related
challenges that Small Island Developing
States are facing — from coral die-off to
coastal erosion, flooding, farming damage
and freshwater loss due to salt water
intrusion. Euronews talks to Seychelles
climate adaptation officer Jean-Claude
Labrosse, the EU Ambassador Vincent
Degert, NGO activists and common citizens
about the main threats associated with
climate change and actions to mitigate their
consequences, including the EU-financed
climate change adaptation programme.
Storm surges, intense rains and coastal erosion
pose existential risks to Small Island
Developing States - where a third of the
population lives near sea level. The EU has
close relations with the Seychelles and is
helping the country to reinforce its coastline.
"Here, coastal erosion means disappearance of
the islands - that's the reality,” says Vincent
Degert, EU Ambassador to the Republic of
Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles.
“There are 90,000 people living here in the
Seychelles. Their homes, their restaurants,
their economic activity - everything is put at
risk by climate change. So there is a genuine
need to take action together."
The European Union allocated 3 million euros
under the Global Climate Change Adaptation
programme to help deal with the flood
problems and prevent the salinification of La
Digue’s agricultural fields.
"There will be projects to be implemented
under the programme which the EU has
https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/press/eu-seeks-entry-force-world-wide-agreement-safety-fishing-vessels_enhttps://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/press/eu-seeks-entry-force-world-wide-agreement-safety-fishing-vessels_enhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/climate-change-eu-stresses-need-address-impacts-climate-change-oceans-un-general-assembly_en
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committed itself to fund,” says Jean-Claude
Labrosse, Principal Climate Adaptation
officer, at the Seychelles Ministry of
Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
“One will be of course the shoreline
management plan; the other one is to increase
our capacity to deal with flooding within the
plateau and other areas; the other one is for the
beach protection; and lastly, there will also be
projects to mitigate saltwater intrusion further
inland. Today the world is like a global village
- we cannot act in isolation. So if we are
burning more fuel, if we are disposing more
waste, it affects the seas, it affects the reefs, it
affects the livelihood of people around the
world."
Watch the episode and read the full story at:
https://www.euronews.com/2019/12/06/ngos-
work-to-rebuild-vital-coral-reefs-but-islands-
threatened-by-climate-change-need-much
Improving fishers’ livelihoods in Mauritius 05/12/2019
Our story of the month comes from
Mauritius. Financed under the sustainable
fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA)
between the European Union and the
Republic of Mauritius, the project offers
technical assistance for local fishers
cooperatives for purchasing canoes and
semi-industrial boats.
The new, semi-industrial fishing boat
purchased with the support of the EU enable
the fishers to go out for longer fishing trips
without docking at the coast and with a larger
crew. This allows the fishers to catch larger
catches with higher value species that they can
sell on the markets. These new opportunities
have changed the mentality of the local fishers
from family livelihood activities to business
management and increased the opportunities of
a decent life for fishers. These successful
projects have the potential to inspire other
fishers’ cooperatives to go into the same
direction.
Read more
The EU Fish Market 2019 edition is out: everything you wanted to know about the EU market for fish and seafood 03/12/2019
If you want to know what fishery products
are exported or imported, when and where,
what is consumed and by whom, what are
the main trends of the European fisheries
and aquaculture sector, then have a look at
the newly released EU Fish market annual
report. The 2019 edition provides analyses
of landings, import and export origins and
destinations, along with an overview of how
EU Member States’ fisheries and
aquaculture sectors fit into the global
picture.
How much fish do Europeans eat per year?
Which are the 3 countries which consume
most fish and seafood and which consume
the least? Consumption of fish and seafood in the EU
was estimated at 24.35 kg per capita in 2017.
On average, EU citizens ate half a kilo less
compared to the previous year. Portugal
remains the absolute champion in terms of per
capita consumption. In 2017, the Portuguese
ate 56.8 kg of fish and seafood per capita,
which is more than twice the EU level. After
Portugal, Spain and Malta are the countries in
which most fish and seafood is eaten.
Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania registered
the lowest level in the EU in terms of per
capita consumption. Compared with 2016, the
most significant decrease in absolute terms
concerned Luxembourg (-2.6 kg per capita)
while the most notable growth was observed
in Belgium (+2.3 kg per capita).
Which are the fishes most bought in
Europe? The top five species consumed in the EU –
tuna, cod, salmon, Alaska pollock and
shrimps – accounted for 44% of total volumes
in 2017. Read more
https://www.euronews.com/2019/12/06/ngos-work-to-rebuild-vital-coral-reefs-but-islands-threatened-by-climate-change-need-muchhttps://www.euronews.com/2019/12/06/ngos-work-to-rebuild-vital-coral-reefs-but-islands-threatened-by-climate-change-need-muchhttps://www.euronews.com/2019/12/06/ngos-work-to-rebuild-vital-coral-reefs-but-islands-threatened-by-climate-change-need-muchhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/sites/fisheries/files/semi-industrial-fishing-boats-in-mauritius_en.pdfhttps://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/eu-fish-market-2019-edition-out-everything-you-wanted-know-about-eu-market-fish-and-seafood_en
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COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Next meeting of the
Agriculture and Fisheries Council
27/01/2020
2020 fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, North and the Mediterranean Seas: Council secures agreement 18/12/2019
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council reached
a political agreement on a regulation
concerning the 2020 catch limits for the main
commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, the
North Sea and international fisheries in
which EU vessels participate.
Details of the agreement
With today's agreement the Council restated its
strong commitment to the objective of the CFP
- environmental, economic and social
sustainability - the provisions of the
multiannual management plans currently in
force, and the best available scientific advice.
In light of the difficulties faced by EU
fishermen in relation to mixed fisheries in
certain areas and the risk of choke species, the
Council decided to continue for one year the
previously agreed pool mechanism for quota
exchanges. Choke species are those that have a
low quota that, when exhausted, can cause a
vessel to stop fishing even if it still has quota
for other species.
In order to address the difficult situation of cod
and whiting stocks in the Celtic Sea and cod in
Kattegat, the Council decided to introduce
remedial measures with the aim of improving
the selectivity of fishing gears and reducing
bycatches.
Concerning seabass, it was decided to slightly
increase the by-catch levels in the Northern
areas and grant additional flexibility in their
management. The bag limit for seabass
recreational fisheries was set to two specimen
per fisherman per day under certain conditions,
and only from 1 March to 30 November 2020
for Northern seabass. Read more
Baltic Cod and Western herring fisheries: Council agrees negotiating position 16/12/2019
The EU is taking new measures to help
fishermen cope with the harmful
socioeconomic effects of the severe fishing
restrictions on cod and Western herring in
the Baltic Sea which are already in place
and agreed for 2020.
The Council defined its position (general
approach) on a regulation which amends
two existing pieces of legislation: the Baltic
multi-annual plan and the current
European Maritime Fisheries Fund
(EMFF). The new rules agreed by the
Council will in particular allow for
permanent cessation to be used to scrap
vessels targeting Baltic cod and Western
Baltic herring.
Background and next steps
For a variety of reasons linked mainly to
environmental and anthropogenic factors the
ecosystem in the Baltic Sea has been in a
fragile state for decades. In 2019 ICES, the
International Council for the Exploration of the
Sea, published alarming scientific advice on
the state of the Baltic cod stocks and the
Western herring stock in the Baltic Sea.
In response to the situation the Commission
adopted first emergency measures in July 2019
prohibiting the fishing of Eastern Baltic cod
until year-end. Subsequently, in October 2019,
the Council decided to close targeted fisheries
for Eastern Baltic cod in 2020 and to
significantly reduce fishing activities with an
impact on Eastern Baltic cod. The fishing
opportunities for Western Baltic cod and
Western herring, were also significantly
reduced. These measures for 2020 are likely to
lead to redundant fleet capacities and to severe
socio-economic consequences for the related
coastal communities and fishing sector.
The European Commission submitted its
proposal amending regulations 2016/1139 and
508/2014 following a political commitment
made during the October Agriculture and
Fisheries Council to address the socio-
economic crisis in the Baltic Sea fisheries.
The general approach reached today
constitutes the Council's mandate for future
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/configurations/agrifish/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/configurations/agrifish/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/41951/table-for-press-release_updated.pdfhttps://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/18/2020-fishing-opportunities-in-the-atlantic-north-and-the-mediterranean-seas-council-secures-agreement/
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negotiations with the European Parliament.
The Council is now ready to start negotiations
as soon as the EP has agreed its stance. Read
more
Council greenlights 2020 fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas 16/12/2019
The Council adopted a regulation setting the
2020 catch limits for certain fish stocks in the
Mediterranean and Black Seas.
This is the first time that a stand-alone fishing
opportunities regulation for both the
Mediterranean and the Black Seas has been
adopted, following the entry into force in 2019
of the Multiannual Plan for demersal stocks in
the western Mediterranean Sea (WMMAP).
The adopted rules include:
maximum allowable fishing efforts,
expressed in numbers of days, for
certain fish stocks in the Western
Mediterranean. These fishing efforts
were set at a level 10% lower than the
WMMAP baseline, and apply to Spain,
France and Italy.
fishing opportunities and other
measures decided on in the framework
of the General Fisheries Commission
for the Mediterranean (GFCM). These
measures include for instance a closure
period for European eel in the entire
Mediterranean Sea, and catch and
effort limits for small pelagic stocks in
the Adriatic Sea.
an autonomous quota for sprat in the
Black Sea applying to Bulgaria and
Romania, which was set at a level
needed to maintain the current level of
fishing mortality. The fishing
opportunity for turbot in the Black Sea
was decided in the GFCM.
These decisions were based on the best
available scientific advice coming from the
Scientific, Technical and Economic
Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the GFCM
Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries
(SAC) and the GFCM Working Group on the
Black Sea (WGBS). and comply with the
principles of the reformed Common Fisheries
Policy (CFP).
The GFCM is a regional fisheries management
organisation competent for the conservation
and management of living marine resources in
the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. The
European Union is a member of the GFCM,
together with Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Romania,
Slovenia and Spain. Measures adopted in the
framework of the GFCM are binding on its
members. Read more
Oceans and seas threatened by climate change: Council adopts conclusions 19/11/2019
The Council adopted conclusions on oceans
and seas, stressing that climate change is a
direct and existential threat to life in oceans
and seas globally. It calls for increased policy
action at all levels of government to protect
marine and coastal ecosystems. It notes with
great concern the warming of European
regional seas at a higher pace than average.
Member states unanimously stress the need for
immediate action against increasing threats on our oceans, seas and coastal areas. The
Council invites the Commission to come up
with policy options to respond to the alarming
findings of the new Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on
the ocean and cryosphere in a changing
climate.
In its conclusions, the Council underlines the
importance of
sustainably using marine resources a sustainable blue economy, and the
role of the economic sectors related to
oceans, seas and coasts including
fisheries, maritime transport and
offshore renewable energies enhanced coordination in maritime
security including circumpolar
meteorological and oceanographic
cooperation
protecting the Arctic and the
outermost regions and overseas
countries and territories, given their
specific vulnerability to climate change
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/16/baltic-cod-and-western-herring-fisheries-council-agrees-negotiating-position/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/16/baltic-cod-and-western-herring-fisheries-council-agrees-negotiating-position/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/12/16/council-greenlights-2020-fishing-opportunities-in-the-mediterranean-and-black-seas/
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reducing marine litter including
plastic waste and microplastics
ensuring healthy and resilient oceans
protecting the biodiversity of
vulnerable marine and coastal
ecosystems
strengthening research and ocean
science. Read more
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/11/19/oceans-and-seas-threatened-by-climate-change-council-adopts-conclusions/
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AC DATE PLACE TYPE
BSAC 20/01/2020 Brussels ExCom
NSAC 21/01/2020 Berlin ExCom
ICES 22-24/01/2020 Copenhagen Herring Assessment WG for the Area South of 62° N
MAC 29-30/01/2020 Brussels WG1, WG2, WG3, ExCom and GA
ICES 31/01/2020 Copenhagen WG on Transparent Assessment Framework Governance
AAC 04/02/2020 Brussels WG 2 and 3
ICES 04-06/02/2020 Reykjavik WG on Pathology and Diseases of Marine Organisms
AAC 05/02/2020 Brussels WG 1, 2 and 3, Extraordinary GA
AAC 06/02/2020 Brussels ExCom
ICES 10-12/02/2020 Copenhagen WG on Integrated Ecosystem Assessment of the Greenland Sea
ICES 10-14/02/2020 Barcelona WG on Biodiversity Science
ICES 10-14/02/2020 Barcelona WG on Marine Mammal Ecology
NSAC 11/02/2020 Brussels Ecosystem WG
ICES 11-13/02/2020 Halifax, Canada WG on Northwest Atlantic Ecosystem Observations
MEDAC 18-19/02/2020 Rome GA, WG1, WG4, FG Strait of Sicily (GFCM recommendation on management measures on this area)
NSAC 20/02/2020 Copenhagen Skagerrak and Kattegat Working Group
BlSAC 20/02/2020 Varna WG 1
ICES 20-21/02/2020 Copenhagen Joint NAFO/ICES Pandalus Assessment WG
BlSAC 21/02/2020 Varna ExCom
ICES 24-28/2/2020 Norway WG on the Integrated Assessments of the Barents Sea
PELAC 04/03/2020 Den Haag WG I and II, and ExCom
NWWAC 10/03/2020 Madrid FG, horizontal WG
NWWAC 11/03/2020 Madrid WG, ExCom
BlSAC 17/03/2020 Constanta WG 2
BlSAC 18-19/03/2020 Constanta GA
LDAC 24/03/2020 Brussels WG3, WG2, Extraordinary ExCom
LDAC 25/03/2020 Brussels WG1, WG4
LDAC 26/03/2020 Brussels WG5
Abbreviations:
- NWW AC: North Western Waters Advisory Council (link)
- PEL AC: Pelagic Advisory Council (link)
- NS AC: North Sea Advisory Council (link)
- MED AC: Advisory Council for the Mediterranean (link)
- SWW AC: South Western Waters Advisory Council (link)
- LD AC: Long Distance Fleet Advisory Council (link)
- BS AC: Baltic Sea Advisory Council (link)
- AAC: Aquaculture Advisory Council (link)
- MAC: Market Advisory Council (link)
- MIRAC: ICES/AC meeting (link)
- BlS AC: Black Sea Advisory Council (link)
- GA: General Assembly, ExCom: Executive Committee, WG: Working Group, FG: Focus Group
http://www.nwwac.org/http://www.pelagic-rac.org/http://www.nsrac.org/http://en.med-ac.eu/index.phphttp://en.med-ac.eu/index.phphttp://cc-sud.eu/index.php/en/https://ldac.eu/en/http://www.bsac.dk/https://www.aac-europe.org/en/meetingshttps://marketac.eu/en/http://ices.dk/news-and-events/Pages/default.aspxhttps://www.blsaceu.eu/en/
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NORWAY/FAROE ISLANDS/COASTAL STATES/NEAFC
Date Organisation Type of meeting Venue
2020
TBD in 2020 EU-Norway Bilateral ERS WG TBD
TBD in 2020 EU-Norway Bilateral Statistics WG TBD
22-24 January
2020 (TBC)
Coastal States Future of the MCS WG London, UK
21 January 2020
(TBC)
NEAFC Heads of Delegation meeting London, UK
12-13 February
2020 (TBC)
EU-Norway Bilateral MCS WG Bergen, NO
25-27 February
2020 (TBC)
NEAFC WG on the Future the NEAFC London, UK
18-19 March
2020 (TBC)
NEAFC JAGDM London, UK
REGIONAL FISHERIES ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Date Organisation Type of meeting Venue
2020
11-13 February Agreement to
Prevent
Unregulated High
Seas Fisheries in
the Central Arctic
Ocean
First Meeting of the Provisional Scientific
Coordinating Group
Ispra (JRC)
14-18 February
South Pacific
Regional Fisheries
Management
Organisation
(SPRFMO)
Annual meeting Port Vila,
Vanuatu
17-21 February CMS CoP 13 of the Convention on Migratory Species Gandhinagar,
India
TBD UN Preparatory meeting for the UN Ocean
Conference
New York
23 March – 3
April
UN Fourth Substantive Session of the
Intergovernmental Conference on an international
legally binding instrument under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the
conservation and sustainable use of marine
biological diversity of areas beyond national
jurisdiction (BBNJ)
New York
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BUREAU
Chair DAVIES Chris 1st Vice-Chair VAN DALEN Peter 3rd Vice-Chair FERRANDINO Giuseppe
2nd Vice-Chair GADE Søren 4th Vice-Chair MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR Cláudia
COORDINATORS
EPP MILLÁN MON Francisco José ID CONTE Rosanna
S&D AGUILERA Clara ECR TOMAŠIĆ Ruža
Renew KARLESKIND Pierre GUE/NGL FERREIRA João
Greens/EFA O'SULLIVAN Grace
COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES FULL MEMBERS
SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
AGUILERA Clara ES S&D ANDROULAKIS Nikos EL S&D
ALLARD Christian UK Greens/EFA AVRAM Carmen RO S&D
BARTOLO Pietro IT S&D BITEAU Benoît FR Greens/EFA
BELLAMY François-Xavier FR EPP CARVALHAIS Isabel PT S&D
BILBAO BARANDICA Izaskun ES Renew CHABAUD Catherine FR Renew
CONTE Rosanna IT ID GONZALEZ CASARES Nicolás ES S&D
CORBETT Richard UK S&D GRANT Valentino IT ID
VAN DALEN Peter NL EPP HAZEKAMP Anja NL GUE/NGL
D'AMATO Rosa IT NI HIDVÉGHI Balázs HU EPP
DAVIES Chris UK Renew HLAVÁČEK Martin CS Renew
DE MAN Filip BE ID HRISTOV Ivo BG S&D
DODDS Diane UK NI HUITEMA Jan NL Renew
FERRANDINO Giuseppe IT S&D KALINOWSKI Jarosław PL EPP
FERREIRA João PT GUE/NGL KELLER Ska DE Greens/EFA
GADE Søren Gade DA Renew MELO Nuno PT EPP
GUERREIRO Francisco PT Greens/EFA MILAZZO Giuseppe IT EPP
HERBST Niclas DE EPP MONTEITH Brian UK NI
JAMET France FR ID MUMMERY June Alison UK NI
KARLESKIND Pierre FR Renew PAGAZAURTUNDÚA Maite ES Renew
MATIĆ Predrag Fred HR S&D PIRBAKAS Maxette FR ID
MILLÁN MON Francisco José ES EPP ROOSE Caroline FR Greens/EFA
Baroness MOBARIK Nosheena UK ECR RUISSEN Bert-Jan NL ECR
MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR Cláudia PT EPP SCHMIEDTBAUER Simone AT EPP
O'SULLIVAN Grace IE Greens/EFA STANCANELLI Raffaele IT ECR
PIZARRO Manuel PT S&D TARDINO Annalisa IT ID
SCHREIJER-PIERIK Annie NL EPP WALSH Maria IE EPP
TOMAŠIĆ Ruža HR ECR ZARZALEJOS Javier ES EPP
ZAGORAKIS Theodoros EL EPP
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2020
Monday 20 January, 15:00-18:30 Tuesday 21 January, 9:00-12:30 Tuesday 21 January, 14:30-18:30
Wednesday 19 February, 9:00-12:30 Wednesday 19 February, 14:30-18:30 Thursday 20 February, 9:00-12:30
Monday 16 March, 15:00-18:30
Tuesday 17 March, 9:00-12:30
Tuesday 17 March, 14:30-18:30
Wednesday 29 April, 9:00-12:30
Wednesday 29 April, 14:30-18:30
Thursday 30 April, 9:00-12:30
Monday 25 May, 15:00-18:30
Tuesday 26 May, 9:00-12:30
Tuesday 26 May, 14:30-18:30
Wednesday 24 June, 9:00-12:30
Wednesday 24 June, 14:30-18:30
Thursday 25 June, 9:00-12:30
Monday 13 July, 15:00-18:30
Tuesday 14 July, 9:00-12:30
Tuesday 14 July, 14:30-18:30
Wednesday 2 September, 9:00-12:30
Wednesday 2 September, 14:30-18:30
Thursday 3 September, 9:00-12:30
Monday 28 September, 15:00-18:30
Monday 12 October, 15:00-18:30
Monday 26 October, 15:00-18:30
Tuesday 27 October, 9:00-12:30
Tuesday 27 October, 14:30-18:30
Monday 16 November, 15:00-18:30
Wednesday 2 December, 9:00-12:30
Wednesday 2 December, 14:30-18:30
Thursday 3 December, 9:00-12:30
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USEFUL LINKS
@ EP Committee on Fisheries link
@ DG MARE (European Commission) link
@ Croatia's Presidency of the Council link
@ FAO Fishery and Aquaculture link
@ ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea link
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The items contained herein are drafted by the secretariat of the Committee on Fisheries of the
European Parliament and are provided for general information purposes only. The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. This document may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organisations. The secretariat does not necessarily endorse the view(s) expressed on these websites.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/pech/home.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/index_en.htmhttps://eu2020.hr/http://www.fao.org/fishery/enhttp://www.ices.dk/