management plan for purse seine nets draft for … · the purse seine net is a surrounding type of...

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL

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MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR SURROUNDING PURSE

SEINE NETS

Working version (for internal use

only)

February 2012


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Contents:

INTRODUCTION

AREA AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION

GENERAL AIM

BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRIATIC SEA

DESCRIPTION OF THE FLEET AND SECTORS

“SRDELARA” PURSE SEINE NET

Technical characteristics and total catch

Qualitative and quantitative contents of catches

Socio-economic indicators

Biological indicators

State of the stock

OBJECTIVES AND REFERENCE VALUES

MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT

MONITORING OF THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

SPECIAL ELEMENTS OF PURSE SEINE FISHING

OTHER PURSE SEINE NETS

Technical characteristics and the characteristics of catches

“CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE NET




“IGLIČARA” AND “OLIŽNICA” PURSE SEINE NET




“PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE NET




“TUNARA” PURSE SEINE NET

Annexes:

Annex 1: List of designated ports

Annex 2: List of vessels authorized for purse seine fishing


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INTRODUCTION

This management plan is based on the scientific findings of the Institute of Oceanography

and Fisheries in Split and the fishery-related data collected in the framework of data

collection programme (logbook data as collected by the MA-DF), the regulations

currently in force regulating this type of fishing, and the provisions of the Council

Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006.

This management plan takes into account purse seine fishing as is currently regulated in

the Republic of Croatia. National legal framework allows for the usage of the purse

seines under conditions that are different from those stipulated in the Council Regulation

no. 1967/20076 as regards depth and distance from shore for small purse seines, but

available information indicates that the usage of these gears is sustainable, particularly

taking into account the measures as foreseen by this plan. Small purse seines are allowed

at distances less than 300 meters from the coast, and due to the specific characteristics of

the Adriatic, the drop of the net also differs. Purse seines for small pelagic represent the

most significant economical and social segment of the fishery, and hence this

management plan contains measures which are based on maintaining the main

characteristics of the fishery. Scientific data indicate that the measures to be applied

though this management plan, while maintaining the main characteristics of the fishery

itself, indicate that the status of the stocks of small pelagic species can be kept within

sustainable limits.

Maintenance of the present regime for small purse seines is considered sustainable, given

the small number of vessels which shall be able to obtain the authorization for this type of

fisheries, and given the small catches obtained, which although small represent an

important source of income for fishermen in rural areas of the coastal and island part of

Croatia. Given the small fishing activity and the number of fishermen, no targeted

research of the impact of this type of nets on the resources was undertaken (the overall

participation in the catches of Croatia of these gears for species caught is negligible), but

the implementation of this plan foresees a more detailed follow-up and monitoring of the

impact of these gears on the resources exploited.


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This management plan shall apply to all fishing vessels using purse seines in territorial

waters of the Republic of Croatia, shall be applied from the date of accession of the

Republic of Croatia to the European Union, and it shall apply for a period of three years

and shall be revised each year.

The maritime area to which this management plan pertains is defined as part of the

fishing sea of the Republic of Croatia, and is comprised of the territorial (part of the outer

fishing sea) and the inner fishing waters. For the purposes of management of living

marine resources and data gathering, Croatian fishing sea has been administratively

divided into smaller units (fishing zones and sub-zones), and the limits of these units have

been defined. The fishing sea of Croatia, in accordance with the relevant provisions of

different national legal instruments, does not include areas protected in the categories of

national parks, strict nature reserves and special nature reserves, where the provisions of

special legislation on environmental protection apply and where commercial fishing, and

consequently the fishing methods to which this management plan pertains, is prohibited.

Fishing vessels to which this Management Plan pertains may engage in commercial

fishing pursuant to the commercial fishing licence (hereinafter: licence) which lists one or

more types of purse seine nets as the vessel's fishing gear. Only one fishing licence may

be issued per fishing vessel, specifying in which fishing zones the vessel is authorised to

operate, which fishing tools and gear the vessel may use, and which licence holder (legal

entity or natural person) may use it for fishing.

The licence holder must submit catch and landing data in the manner and form defined by

the legislation. Data submission requirements (logbook/catch report) are in line with the

requirements of the Council regulations no. 2847/93, 2807/83 and 1967/2006. The

information submitted, among other elements, include fishing zone where the specific

fishing activities were performed, fishing tools and gear that were used, and at what time.

All fishing vessels and all issued licences are entered into the Fishing fleet register and

the fishing licences register of the Republic of Croatia. However, it should be noted that

not all fishing vessels registered are active, but only those that hold a valid commercial


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fishing licence. Furthermore, not all licences are active at all times because they can be

filed (deposited in the MA-DF office) in periods when the licence holder is unable to fish

(for ex. due to the seasonal nature of his fishing activities, a temporary suspension of

business, the inability of the vessel to fish, etc.).

AREA AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This plan shall apply to all fishing vessels entered into the Fishing Fleet Register of the

Republic of Croatia and whose licences contain as a fishing gear the purse seine nets. The

plan shall apply, as appropriate, to the vessels using different types of these nets.

The purse seine net is a surrounding type of fishing gear – a previously formed school of

fish is surrounded. As the most compact schools of fish are formed at night in artificial

light, the technique of catching fish by using the sardine purse seine net and sand smelt

purse seine net includes the use of artificial lighting. In fishing zones A, E, F and G, the

light strength of up to 10 000 W may be used with electrical lighting appliances and 10

000 candelas with gas lanterns as per fishing vessel, whereas the light strength in the

other fishing zones is not limited. Other purse seine nets may not use artificial lighting

during fishing activities. Purse seine nets do not touch Possidonia beds during the fishing

activities.

There are different types of purse seine nets in the Republic of Croatia according to the

type of fish they catch and the type of material they are made from, the relation between

their height and length, the mesh size and the twine thickness, the manner of setting up of

the float-line and sinker line onto the net margins, although these are only minor

differences. The size of purse seine nets varies depending on the type of fish caught, the

size of the school of fish, the size of the catch, depth, currents and so on.


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length

Figure 1 A schematic overview of the surrounding purse seine net

height


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Relative to the types of fish they catch and the mesh size purse seine nets are categorised

as follows:

the “tunara” purse seine net is intended for tuna fishing (Thunnus thynnus) as

well as fishing of other large pelagic species. The minimum mesh size of the

„tunara „purse sine net is 40 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to

the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Use of this net is done in

accordance with the applicable provisions of the International Commission for the

Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Its usage is permitted throughout the

fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia. New licences for usage of this net are not

issued, nor is the usage of this net added to existing licences that do not contain

this gear.

the “palamidara” purse seine net is intended for bonito (Sarda sarda), bullet

tuna (Auxis rochei), little tunny (Euthunnus alletteratus) and Mediterranean

yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii). The minimum mesh size of the bonito purse seine

net is 34 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to the other opposite

mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Usage of this net is permitted throughout

the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year round.

the “srdelara” purse seine net is intended for sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and

other types of small pelagic species. The minimum mesh size of the sardine purse

seine net is 14 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to the other

opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). The use of artificial light is

permitted in this type of fishing. Usage of this net is permitted throughout the

fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year round, with the exception of a

period during winter that is stipulated by law.

the “igličara” purse seine net is intended for garfish (Belone belone gracilis).

The minimum mesh size of this purse seine net is 14 mm (diagonally measured

from one mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge).

Usage of this net is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of

Croatia all year round.

the “ciplara” purse seine net is intended for mullets (Mugilidae). The minimum

mesh size of the mullet purse seine net is 26 mm (diagonally measured from one


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mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Usage of

this net is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year

round.

the ”oližnica” purse seine net is intended for sand smelt (Atherina boyeri). The

minimum mesh size of the sand smelt purse seine net is 14 mm (diagonally

measured from one mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the

mesh gauge). Usage of this net is prohibited from 1 May to 30 June, but its usage

is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia.

With the aim of ensuring long-term sustainability of stocks that are caught with these

gear types, no increasement of the fishing effort, in terms of fishing capacity or fishing

activities, is stipulated by law, along with the introduction of a range of technical

measures pursuant to Commission Regulation 1967/2006.

GENERAL AIM

The general aim of the management plan for purse seine nets is to ensure the maintenance

of stocks that are caught with these gear types within safe biological limits according to

the scientific results of the stock assessment of the main species (sardines, anchovies).

BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRIATIC SEA

The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed, elongated basin of the central Mediterranean Sea

and, because it is set deeply into the land mass and is of low depth, it can be considered a

closed sea. Some of the important physical and biological properties of the North Adriatic

stem from the fact that it is the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (it reaches

45º47' N). The Adriatic is connected to the Mediterranean basin through the Strait of

Otranto, which is approximately 40 Nm wide and 741 m deep, and the strait has an

important role in water mass circulation and exchange between the Adriatic and the

Ionian Sea. The length of the Adriatic Sea is approximately 870 km, and the width

oscillates from 90 to 220 km. Its surface area, including the islands, is 138,595 km2,

which is approximately 4.6% of the total area of the Mediterranean Sea. For practical

purposes, the Adriatic Sea is usually divided into North, Central and Southern Adriatic.


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The geomorphological characteristics of the Adriatic basin, the geopolitical changes on

its eastern seaboard, the existence of national directorates, and the distribution of fishery

resources have lead to the division of the Adriatic area into two Geographical Sub-Areas:

GSA 17 (North and Central Adriatic) shared by Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and

Herzegovina; and GSA 18 (South Adriatic) shared by Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and

Italy. This management plan pertains to GSA 17.

The Adriatic is a shallow sea with an average depth of 252 m. The northern part is

extremely shallow, with the deepest point being 70 m (south of Cape Kamenjak). Depth

gradually increases from north-west towards the south-east. Depths over 200 m are found

in the Jabuka Pit (273 m) and the South Adriatic Pit (1330 m) in the south part of GSA

17.

Most of the Adriatic seabed is covered with sediment of various structure and

mineralogical-petrographic composition. Due to the physical structure and varied seabed

facies, the seabed can be rock, gravel, shells, sand and silt. The sand and silt sediments

cover most of the Adriatic continental shelf. Sand sediments are formed in the coastal

area (of up to 10 m in depth) and are mostly of terrigenous or biogenic origin. Silt

sediments are formed where there is no substantial seawater motion, and they cover

nearly the entire area of South Adriatic, most of Central Adriatic, the north-eastern

Adriatic channels, the Gulf of Trieste, and the 30-40 km wide area along the north-

western coast of Italy.

The seabed sediment structure, in combination with other environmental factors,

influences the composition and distribution of biocenoses.

Adriatic is a warm sea: the water from its deepest layers is almost always warmer than

11-12ºC. Surface waters show a clear seasonal temperature cycle, with maximum values

in summer and a maximally mixed layer in winter. The surface temperature of the open

waters of the Adriatic in summer usually ranges between 22-25ºC, while the bottom

temperature drops to 11.5ºC (Jabuka Pit) or 12.7ºC (South Adriatic Pit). In winter, South

Adriatic is warmer than North or Central Adriatic, and the open Adriatic waters are

warmer than the coastal waters. In the warmer part of the year, especially in summer, the

thermocline forms at a depth of approximately 10-30 m, and in Central and South


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Adriatic it descends down to 50 m. In winter, due to the cooling of the surface layer, the

thermocline weakens until it gradually dissolves into the isotherm.

The salinity of the Adriatic Sea is rather high, with the average salinity being 38.3 ‰,

which is lower than in the East Mediterranean (39 ‰), and higher than in the West

Mediterranean (37 ‰). Generally speaking, salinity in the Adriatic decreases from South

to North, and from the open waters to the shore. Salinity can be explained with the inflow

of the saltier East Mediterranean water into the Adriatic and the influence, or inflow, of

rivers in spring and summer. Less saline waters are always easily and well differentiated

from the open waters in all seasons. A strong salinity front can be easily detected,

especially along the western Adriatic seaboard. In addition to the normal annual

oscillations, there are also multi-annual oscillations of salinity in the Adriatic, caused by

the differences in water mass exchange between the Adriatic and the East Mediterranean.

In those years, the saltier East Mediterranean waters penetrate into the Adriatic more

strongly, thereby increasing the salinity, influencing overall productivity and the

occurrence of some new and/or rare organisms in the Adriatic.

The general water mass circulation in the Adriatic shows typical cyclonic movements.

Water masses inflow into the Adriatic along the eastern coast from the East

Mediterranean through the Strait of Otranto, and outflow along the western coast. That is

primarily due to geomorphological, meteorological and hydrographic characteristics. The

Adriatic Sea can be divided into three separate horizontal layers according to water mass

movement - the surface layer, the intermediate layer, and the deep water layer - with

relatively independent current systems, although, of course, these systems do interact.

Baroclinity differentiates between currents and vortices with pronounced seasonal

strength and occurrence, and between changes on a spatial scale in different seasons.

Winter conditions are characterised in the topmost 100 m of depth by a wide field of

north-west currents, probably connected with the intensive but shallow currents along the

western coast, while the coastal currents in other seasons, especially in autumn, form on

the eastern coast. Branches of intense currents occur on the western side of the Adriatic

basin, divided into three sub-basins in spring and summer. Autumn conditions show the

overall cyclonic circulation with the intensification of three cyclonic vortices in the sub-

basins. Due to those pronounced seasonal differences, inflow currents dominate in winter,

and outflow currents in summer, while in spring and autumn, when the horizontal water


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density gradients are lower, neither current direction dominates, but rather, stronger

transversal currents occur between the eastern and western coasts. This seasonal rhythm

is further influenced, mostly positively, by winds - mistral in summer and sirocco in

winter. In the channel, coastal areas, the influence of winds and tidal currents is more

prominent. The inflow current is prevalent in the intermediate layer throughout the year,

but mostly in summer, when it appears as a compensating current for the outflow current

in the surface layer. Transversal currents between the eastern and western sides also

frequently appear in that layer. The least is known of the deep sea layer currents. Outflow

currents dominate, and are especially prevalent in winter, as compensating currents for

the increased water inflow in the surface and intermediate layers. Those waters are form

during the winter in the Adriatic as a result of mixing of the cold and heavy North

Adriatic water with the saltier water from the intermediate layer, and are very important

for the productivity of both the Adriatic and the entire Mediterranean.

The Adriatic Sea is classified as an oligotrophic sea, characterised by relatively low

productivity. However, due to the great diversity of its biocenoses, the Adriatic has a high

level of biodiversity and low level of population densities. The basic inflow of nutrients

into the Adriatic occurs via the rivers which raise the primary productivity.

Eutrophication is particularly pronounced in the North and Central Adriatic, where it

influences all the links in the food chain and ultimately leads to higher fish stock

quantities, especially in the North Adriatic. Due to that the Adriatic is considered as one

of the most productive areas of the Mediterranean when it comes to fishing.

In summer, when sea conditions are favourable (high temperatures; long calm periods

without wind; freshwater inflows; stratification separating the warmer water with lower

salinity from the deeper, saltier, colder and more productive water; ...), algal blooms can

often occur, which can cause hypoxia and anoxia. That can have negative or lethal effects

on demersal resources, primarily on sedentary species like molluscs, especially in North

Adriatic.

Being a part of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea shares all the common properties

with the aforementioned, in the sense of geographic characteristics, available marine

resources and the intensity of their exploitation.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE FLEET AND SECTOR

The Croatian fishing fleet of purse seiners is active from Umag in the north to Dubrovnik

in the south. In spite of the indicated distribution of the fishing fleet, the majority of

fishing activities takes place from Istria to Middle Dalmatian Islands. According to

tradition, the Croatian purse seine fleet is mainly comprised of purse seiners catching

small pelagic species and using the light device in order to haul the fish nearer the

surface.

According to official data of the Republic of Croatia, there are 790 licences issued for

purse seine fishing (in addition to the 50 licences issued for ”tunara” purse seine nets).

The majority of the licences are those issued for “srdelara” purse seine net (488),

followed by licences issued for “ciplara” purse seine nets (124), “palamidara” purse seine

nets (85), sand ”oližnica” seine nets (57) and “igličara” purse seine nets (36). The

licences issued for purse seines by counties are shown in Figure 2.

number of licences issued for purse seiners by counties

Figure 2 The number of issued licences for purse seine fishing by a region or territorial

unit

Taking into account the different types of purse seiners (Table 1), certain differences are

obvious as to the number of licences by areas. It can be seen that the majority of licences


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for “ciplara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-dalmatinska region, followed by

Šibensko-kninska and Dubrovačko-neretvanska region. The majority of licences for

“igličara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-dalmatinska region, followed by

Dubrovačko-neretvanska and Istarska region. The majority of licences for ”oližnica”

purse seiners has been issued in the field offices of Pula, Šibenik and Rijeka, whereas the

majority of licences for “palamidara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-

dalmatinska region, Zadarska and Šibensko-kninska region. The majority of licences has

been issued for “srdelara” purse seiners, the majority of which has been issued in region

of Zadar, Splitsko-dalmatinska and Istarska region. In addition, it is important to

highlight that the total number of licences for purse seines issued does not correspond to

the number of vessels (sum of all the licences is higher than the number of vessels) in

respect of the fact that there is a large number of multi-purpose vessels (vessels with

more licences for different types of fishing gear). The number of active licences for purse

seine nets was 496 from 2008 to 2011 and they were distributed on 367 vessels. The

majority of licence holders used the sardine purse seine net on these vessels for more than

70% of active working days (273 vessels, Table 2).

Table 1 An overview of the number of licences for certain types of purse seine nets by

region or field offices

gear type Pula Rijeka Senj Zadar Šibenik Split Dubrovnik

“ciplara” purse seine

nets

21 2 1 11 34 43 12

“igličara” purse

seine nets

9 2 0 0 3 13 9

”oližnica” purse

seine nets

33 6 0 5 10 2 1

“palamidara” purse

seine nets

1 3 0 20 19 31 11

“srdelara” purse

seine nets

80 46 4 131 56 104 67

Table 2 The number of vessels holding an active licence used >50% or 70% of the total

number of fishing days in the period 2008 - 2011


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Fishing gear type Number of vessels

(>50% days)

Number of vessels

(>70% days)

“tunara” purse seine nets 4 4

“srdelara” purse seine

nets

282 273

“palmidara” purse seine

nets

18 12

”oližnica” purse seine

nets

9 7

“igličara” purse seine

nets

10 8

“ciplara” purse seine

nets

31 25

1. SARDINE PURSE SEINE NET –“SRDELARA”

Technical characteristics and total catches

In the Republic of Croatia, 488 vessels have a licence for purse seine nets for small

pelagics. There were 193 active (with one working day at least) sardine purse seiners in

2008, 206 purse seiners in 2009, 245 of them were active in 2010, and 233 sardine purse

seiners were active in 2011.

The total catch of all purse seiners together (with the exception of „tunara „purse seiners)

was 64 019 t in 2011. Out of this number, 99.6% was realized by „srdelara“purse seiners,

and the other purse seiners realized less than 1% of the total catch.

In 2011 „srdelara“purse seiners caught the total amount of 63,735.9 t and the average

amount of 1.9 t/day was caught by an active vessel.

With respect of the fact that the size of the vessel has a considerable impact on the

amount of catch when it comes to „srdelara“purse seiners, average catches as per an

active vessel during the fishing day are classified according to the vessel length

categories (Table 3).

Table 3 The distribution of licences and active „srdelara“purse seiners according to

length groups of vessels in 2011


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Vessel

length

Number

of

licences

Active

in

2011

Share in

the total

number

of

active

vessels

Average

Gt

Average

kW

Amount

of catch

(t)

Average

amount

of catch

(kg) /

day

Share

in the

total

catch

< 12

m

184 45 19.3 % 5.6 82.0 302.1 219.1 0.47

%

12 –

18 m

116 49 21.0 % 20.6 167.7 6,238.2 989.6 9.79

%

18 –

24 m

90 64 27.5 % 75.3 312.7 19,764.4 2,161.9 31.01

%

> 24

m

98 75 32.2 % 151.0 542.4 37,431.1 3,180.8 58.73

%

It is evident from Table 3 that vessels from 18 to 24 m and vessels of over 24 m

participate in the total catch of „srdelara“purse seiners in the percentage of 89.7%.

Although „srdelara“purse seine net fishing takes place in all fishing zones of the Republic

of Croatia, four fishing zones account for the largest amounts of catches (Figure 3). The

greatest catches by these purse seiners were made in fishing zone B (outer Northern

Adriatic), where catches make up an average of 41% of the total catches of small pelagics

made with this type of fishing gear . The average lowest catches of small pelagics have

been recorded in fishing zone H (EFPZ), whereas there were almost no catches in fishing

zone K during a four-year period.


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fishing zone

Figure 3 The annual distribution of the level of catch realized with purse seiners intended

for catching small pelagic fish by fishing zones during a four-year period (2008 – 2011)

Qualitative and quantitative catch compositions

Purse seine nets are the main fishing gear intended for small pelagics (Figure 4). The

share of the catch of small pelagics realized with another type of fishing gear was

extremely small. The share of sardines in the catches realized by other gear types, in the

period from 2008 to 2011, thus fluctuated from 1.1% (in 2008) to 0.1% (in 2009 and

2011), whereas the share for anchovies fluctuated from 0.3% (2008) to 0.1% (2011).

0

10

20

30

40

50

A B C D E F G H I J

Ribolovna zona

%

2008 2009 2010 2011


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Anchovies; 22,78%;

Sardines; 71,75%

Other; 5,47%

Figure 4 The share of sardines and anchovies in the catches realized with purse seiners in

the fishing territory of the Republic of Croatia in 2011

The economic significance of sardines and anchovies in the Adriatic Sea is significant.

According to FAO data Fishstat+ from 2007, these two types of fish comprise 41% of the

total catch in the Adriatic.

The share of small pelagics in the total catches of the Republic of Croatia has fluctuated

from 84.5% (2008) to 91.6% (2011). The levels of sardine and anchovy catches varied in

the past (Figure 5). In the period between 1947 and 2011, the lowest amount of sardine

catches was recorded in 1959 and amounted to only 611 t, whereas the highest amount of

catch for the same period was realized in 2011 and amounted to 44 614 t. Such a high

level of the sardine catch was also recorded in the 1980s (1981 - 1989), when the amount

of sardine catches ranged from 31 487 t (1981) to 40 044 t (1983). The lowest value of

anchovy catches was realized in 1996, when it amounted to 220 t. As it is the case with

sardines, the greatest amount of anchovy catches was realized in 2011 and amounted to

14 163 t. By observing the catches of small oily fish in the Republic of Croatia, it should

be taken into account that the amount of catch was expectedly lower during the 1990s in

the midst of war and that the market has changed completely after this period, which

resulted in an increase of catches due to economic cost-effectiveness.


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0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

1943 1949 1955 1961 1967 1973 1979 1985 1991 1997 2003 2009 2015

Godina

Ulo

v (

t)Srdela

Inćun

Catch (t)

Sardines

Anchovies

Year

Figure 5 The fluctuation of the level of sardine and anchovy catches realized in the

fishing territory of the Republic of Croatia in the period 1949 - 2011

On the basis of the recorded values, it has been noticed that the catches of these two

economically most important species vary both on the multi-annual and annual scale. The

monthly catches of sardines and anchovies in the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia

in 2011 are shown in Figure 6. It can be thus seen that the largest catches of sardines were

realized in November (8 314 t), and the smallest were realized in June (2 021 t) with the

exception of December, when the low quantities of catches were the consequence of a

closed fishing season. On the other hand, it was in June that the anchovy catches recorded

the highest quantities (3 152 t).


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anchovies sardines

January March May July September November

Month

Figure 6 The fluctuation of monthly quantities of sardine and anchovy catches realized

with purse seiners intended for catching small pelagics in 2011

Socio-economic indicators

Sardine purse seine fishing represents the most significant part of the Croatian fisheries

sector. The owners of trades, crafts and enterprises owning a vessel with a licence for

„srdelara“purse seine fishing are equally distributed along the entire Croatian coast and

on the islands, and represent an important economic activity of the rural areas of the

coastal region and the islands (Figure 7).


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Figure 7 An overview of the distribution and concentration of the holders of licences for

„srdelara“purse seine fishing

The Croatian fishing fleet of the vessels authorized for fishing small pelagics is not

homogeneous in terms of its characteristics and its fishing capacity. If the fleet authorized

for „srdelara“purse seine fishing were looked upon in its entirety, it is a fleet comprised

of 299 vessels that were active, during the last four years, between 80 and 105 days per

year during which fishing took place. Smaller vessels (of up to 18 m), which are mostly

multi-purpose fishing vessels, participate with only 10%in the total catches employing

approximately 700 people. The category of vessels of 18-24 m make up 31% of the total

catches, employing approximately 550 people. In the category of vessels over 24 m,

somewhat less than 60% of the total catches is realized and approximately 650 people are

employed (Table 3). Significant oscillations in the percentage of active vessels and a

small number of days indicate a multi-purpose use of the vessels.

As regards the vessels whose catches are predominantly made using the „srdelara“purse

seines, an increase in the number of fishing days can be noticed during the last few years.

This is the result of a fall in the price of catches, which was mainly caused by a fall in the

amount of anchovies caught. The anchovy catches of class III and IV dominated in 2011,

whereas the anchovies of class I dominated in the previous years (The Ordinance on the

Marketing Standars for Certain Fishery Products, Official Gazette 37/2010; Table 4).


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Figure 8 shows the structure of catches on the sample of 20% of the total catches in

Croatia in 2011 and Figure 9 shows the value of catches of a single vessel (24 m) and the

annual income distribution – the sardine income and the income from other species, as

well as the anchovy income.

Table 4 The size categories in accordance with the applicable law of the Republic of

Croatia

a) sardines

Size / class Kg / fish Number of fish

units / kg

I 0.067 15

II 0.042-0.067 16-24

III 0.028-0.042 25-35

IV 0.015-0.028 36-91

b) anchovies

Size / class Kg / fish Number of fish

units

I 0.033 30

II 0.020-0.033 31-50

III 0.012-0.20 51-83

IV 0.008-0.012 84-125


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Adriatic sardines

Sardines of class II

Mixed fish (sardines, anchovies)

Anchovies

Anchovies of class I

Anchovies of class II

Anchovies of class III

Anchovies of class IV

Anchovies of class V

Turbot – body

Mackerel

Little tuna

Figure 8 The structure of small pelagics catches on the sample of 20% of the total

Croatian catches


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HRK

Anchovy income Income from sardines and other species

Figure 9 The structure of the income from small pelagics catches per vessel (24 m) from

2009 to 2011

the percentage of catches sold for the purpose of processing

54,7%= the feeding of tuna

63,9%= the feeding of tuna anchovies sardines and other species total

Figure 10 An overview of the share of small pelagics catches sold for fish processing and

maricultural purposes


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A considerable fluctuation of the income influenced by the structure of anchovy catches

is the result of a range of prices for anchovies and sardines on the Croatian market (Table

5). Small pelagics are mainly sold to fish processors and fish-farming establishments,

whereas a smaller amount is placed on the fresh fish market (Figure 10). The best price is

achieved on the fresh fish market, followed by the processing industry market, whereas

the lowest price is achieved through its placing on tuna fish-farming establishments.

Thus, for example, the price of sardines varies from HRK 2,5 to 4,0 per kg, with the

average processing price fluctuating at the level of around HRK 3,0, and when sold as

tuna feed it is set at the price of HRK 2,0-2,5.

Table 5 The average prices in terms of the number of fish units per kg in 2011

a) anchovies

No. of fish units/kg HRK

<38 12

38-40 10.5

41-45 9.75

46-50 6

51-55 3.35

56-60 2.25

b) sardines

No. of fish units/kg HRK

<36 3.3

37-40 3

41-45 2.7

46-50 2.5

The importance of the maintaining the size structure of anchovies caught can be

illustrated by simulating the change in the structure of anchovy catches by a reduction of

its share in classes V, IV and III and an equal increase in classes II and I, or the impact of


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the change in the structure of anchovy catches on the total income can be seen (on the

sample of 20% of Croatian catches in 2011) (Figure 11).

income in HRK

Figure 11 An overview of the simulation of the impact of the change in the structure of

anchovy catches on the total income from catches approximately 12 000 tons of small

pelgic fish

With the economic indicators of the value of catches, the processing industry has an

important role. In the processing industry, 1 600 people are permanently employed and at

least 1 700 people are seasonal workers.

The caught fish is placed on the fresh fish market by part of the fleet comprised of small

vessels at economically sustainable prices. This mainly applies to the Northern Adriatic

fleet whose main part of small pelagics catches is placed on the fresh produce market and

is exported.

The analysis of the costs of fishing with „srdelara“purse seiners can be directly shown

only in terms of ships mainly or exclusively involved in this type of fishing. With the aim

of estimating the impact of the costs on the economic performance of fishing with

„srdelara“purse seine nets and its possible implications in terms of managing small

pelagics resources, a simulation was carried out of the catches that are necessary for

covering the costs (Table 6). For the needs of the simulation, the fixed costs were divided


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into a simulated number of fishing days, and the relative costs were calculated into one

fishing day, and these values were summed up in order to calculate the cost of one fishing

day into several scenarios of the number of fishing days per year. The cost of a fishing

day was calculated into a daily amount of catches on the basis of the average price of

HRK 3.0 / kg. The simulation was carried out once again for the same vessels that are not

amortized in order to estimate the necessary daily amount of catches for the ships that are

amortized (Figures 12 and 13).

Table 6 An overview of the costs of two ships of a different length whose fishing

activities are carried out with „srdelara“purse seiners

Ship length 31 meter 21 meter Drive engine strength (kW) 537 324

Annual catch (kg) 895 000 430 000

Annual income (HRK) 2 625 000 1 300 000

Average price 2.9 3.0

Number of fishing days 195 174

Fixed costs

Salaries (HRK / year) 335 000 226 000

Maintenance of vessels

(HRK/year)

150 000 80 000

Old age pension insurance

and health insurance

(HRK/year)

218 000 120 000

Bookkeeping costs

(HRK/year)

30 000 30 000

Insurance (HRK/year) 70 000 50 000

Berth (HRK/year) 18 000 14 000

Amortization (HRK/year) 280 000 200 000

Other (HRK/year) 10 000 10 000

Total fixed costs

(HRK/year) 1 111 000 730 000

Variable costs

Fuel (HRK/year) 526 000 226 000

Maintenance of fishing gear

(HRK/year)

150 000 80 000

Marine supplement

(HRK/year)

487 000 310 000

Total variable costs

(HRK/year)

1 163 000 616 000

Total costs 2 274 000 1 346 000


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number of fishing days

Figure 12 The average daily amount of catches necessary for the covering of costs

depending on the number of fishing days per year for ships that are not amortized (of the

length of 21 and 31 m)


Figure 13 The average daily amount of catches necessary for the covering of costs

depending on the number of fishing days per year for ships that are not amortized (of the

length of 21 and 31 m)


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The linear dependence of the necessary average daily amount of catches and the average

price per kg of fish sold indicates the importance of achieving a change in the structure of

catches on the economic sustainability of fishing (Figure 14).

kg/day ship 20 m


average price

HRK 3.20 HRK 3.50 HRK 3.70 HRK 4.00

Figure 14 The average daily amount of catches depending on the number of fishing days

depending on the average price of fish, for ships of the length of 20 m

The figures indicate a major impact of fixed costs on the minimum daily amount of small

pelagics catches, which makes it necessary to ensure a sufficient number of fishing days,

in order to be able to achieve the necessary average amount of catch. This explains the

relation of an increase in the amount of catches and fishing days in 2011 with a fall in the

size composition of the catch. On the other hand, the statistics of the income cannot

account for the income itself, since a significant amount of fish is sold to tuna fish-

farming establishments, which does not depend on the size composition of the catch.

Biological indicators


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State of stock

The sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus

(Linnaeus, 1758) are widespread in the Adriatic Sea. It has been noticed that greater

numbers of sardines live in the Eastern Adriatic, whereas anchovies are more widely

present in the Western Adriatic. Just like other types of pelagic fish, sardines and

anchovies are migratory species. During their lifespan, sardines and anchovies gradually

migrate from the coastal to the open areas of the Adriatic Sea. Due to spawning, sardines

migrate to the coast during the colder part of the year, whereas anchovies migrate during

the warmer months.

The models estimating the biomass of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea include the

direct method of using the echo-sounder, statistical data on the catches and the collection

of biological parameters of the population, along with the inclusion of these data into the

indirect estimation methods – Virtual Population Analyses (VPA) and Integrated Catch

Analyses (ICA). The VPA and ICA methods are used for the reconstruction of the

biomass of the caught stock through the data on the catches and biological parameters

(length frequency, age structure, first sexual maturity, natural mortality). Since this is a

reconstruction of the state of stock, it is possible to estimate the state by using this

method only at the end of the year, or more precisely, in the upcoming year, when all the

data that are needed for this type of analysis are collected (the catches in the previous

year). The estimation of the biomass of both sardines and anchovies is carried out within

the framework of the project AdriaMed, and it includes the data of all the countries

involved in fishing for specific species, and the biomass of these two species is thus

obtained for the entire GSA 17 area, that is, for the stock exploited by Italy, Slovenia and

Croatia. So, it is not possible to observe stock biomasses separated by countries.

SARDINE BIOMASS ASSESSMENT

The total sardine biomass in the entire Adriatic varied greatly in the past. Small pelagics

biomass fluctuations are generally expected, since the species in question have short

lifespan and relatively high natural mortality coefficients, and their recruitment is

extremely dependant on environmental factors. Sardine biomass has constantly grown in

the last 10 years (Figure 15), although the size of the biomass is still not at the level of the


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biomass of the 1980s. However, it should be taken into consideration that statistical data

as well as the analysis of all collected data changed during the collection period. In

addition, it is important to note that in 2011 catches on both sides of the Adriatic recorded

high values (Figure 16). Taking all of this into consideration, the current biomass of the

stock in the Adriatic Sea can be described as intermediate.

Figure 15 Estimated biomass of sardine in the Adriatic Sea (GSA 17; AdriaMed project,

2012)


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Figure 16 Sardine catch quantities of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia from 2000 to 2011

(AdriaMed, 2012).

ANCHOVY BIOMASS ASSESSMENT

The total anchovy biomass varied greatly in the past. The values of the estimated anchovy

biomass varied somewhat significantly in the last 10 years. From 2000 to 2005, the

anchovy biomass grew substantially, after which the values somewhat decreased and in

the past 3 years they have risen again (Figure 17). Generally speaking, from 2000 to 2011

the anchovy biomass records an increasing trend. Furthermore, since 2000 there has been

a substantial increase in anchovy catches on the eastern side of the Adriatic (the Republic

of Croatia and Slovenia) (Figure 18). Taking all of this into consideration, the status of

the anchovy stock in the Adriatic Sea is considered sustainable.

Figure 17 Estimated anchovy biomass quantity in the Adriatic Sea (GSA 17, AdriaMed

project, 2012)


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Figure 18 Anchovy catch quantities of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia from 2000 to 2011

(AdriaMed, 2012).

GOALS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR

SARDINE PURSE SEINE NETS

The goal of the management plan for „srdelara“purse seine nets is based on the

implementation of a precautionary approach to management, which is primarily reflected

in the retention of the current trends of biomass and recruitment of the species targeted

with this fishing gear.

The socio-economic goal is to maximize the revenue from fishing, as well as to provide

sufficient employment for participants fishing with this type of gear.

The biological goal is to keep fishing at or above the level necessary to maintain

productivity and recovery of exploited stocks.

Socio-economic goals

Despite the stability of the biomass, a drop in the average price of the catch results in an

economic need to increase the fishing effort. The situation is further complicated by the

fact that, due to its structure, a portion of the catch can only be marketed for tuna

farming, and only a part of the fleet has contracts for accessing this market.


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Consequently, there is a heterogeneous interest in the sector in the way in which

resources are being used:

Large vessels strive towards a greater number of fishing days to ensure minimal

cost and measures that will increase the possibility of reaching the required

average catch.

Vessels that have the ability to market tuna catches on tuna farms need to increase

the number of fishing days as the price is low by definition.

Vessels that sell their catch exclusively on the processing market strive towards a

catch structure that will ensure an increase in the average price of the catch, which

will then proportionally reduce the quantity of the required average catch.

It is in the interest of all the categories that the average allowed catch size be increased

and that, simultaneously, the minimum required average catch necessary for the

economic survival of the activity be reduced. This leaves more space for effective

measures regulating fishing.

From the aspect of the market and employment of rural residents, fleets consisting of

large vessels ensure a stable supply of raw material for the processing industry. On the

other hand, fleets of medium-sized and small vessels are very important for maintaining

employment in rural areas dependent on fishery. These data show the importance and

sensitivity of fleets of vessels smaller than 18 m, which due to their small share in the

catch do not present a significant factor in the exploitation of stocks. Considering the

number of participants and employees, survival should be secured for this category, and

this may be done through some milder fishing restriction measures. Therefore, in the

socio-economic sense, the goal of the plan is to increase the average profitability per

vessel within biological limits and possibilities. This could be achieved by harmonizing

the fishing effort with the indicators of the status of resources and, after taking into

account the indicators, by reducing the pressure on resources by providing opportunities

for the diversification of activities to those fishermen who are no longer engaged in this

type of fishing

Biological reference values


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In the biological sense, the goal of the management plan for pelagic species exploited

with purse seine nets is to maintain the biomass levels of sardines and anchovies,

economically pivotal species, on a sustainable level, i.e. a level at which fishing will not

exert a negative influence on stock recovery. In order to establish certain limits, the

trends in the biomass quantity (obtained through the VPA and ICA methods, Figures 15

and 17) are compared with other values, such as exploitation level (E) and the trend of

recruitment. Only by considering the whole situation can there be given an objective

assessment of the state of a population (Figures 19 and 20). Also, there is need to take

into account that the levels of biomasses of these two species are result of fishing

activities and biological characteristics of different fleets operating in whole Adriatic Sea,

and by that, measurements and restrictions to one fishing fleet may not largely influence

entire status of the stock.

Figure 19 Reference values for sardines - trend of recruitment and exploitation level (with

Patterson's limit)


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Figure 20 Reference values for anchovies - trend of recruitment and exploitation level

(with Patterson's limit)

Goals and indicators

goal specific goal indicator

Biological: to keep

fishing at or above level

necessary to maintain

productivity and recovery

of exploited stocks

Directing the activities of the fleet

towards the achievement of safe

biological limits of sardine and

anchovy stocks, measured in

relation to Patterson's exploitation

level and trend of recruitment in

whole GSA 17.

Sardine biomass index

Anchovy biomass index

Exploitation level

Trend of recruitment

Economic: to improve

economic conditions

associated with the sector

Increasing the profitability of

vessels using „srdelara“purse

seine net

The average value of the

catch at first sale/vessel


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Social: to provide

sufficient employment for

participants using this

type of fishing gear

Providing employment and

enabling the diversification of

activities for fishermen who are

no longer engaged in this type of

fishing

Number of participants in

fishery and fish-processing

industry

MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED EFFECTS

The management measures contained in this plan take into account the status of resources

as well as the characteristics of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of Croatia,

and provide for the implementation of one or more of the following measures:

Permanent cessation of fishing

In order to harmonize the capacity with available resources, and bearing in mind the

general goal and indicators of the implementation of the plan, measures of capacity

reduction are planned to be implemented through buy-off of the licences and permanent

cessation of this activity either through transfer into another type of fisheries or leaving

fisheries entirey.

Temporary cessation of fishing

Bearing in mind the general goals and indicators of the implementation of the plan, an

emergency temporary cessation of fishing is envisaged in special situations affecting the

biomass, i.e. the sustainable development of target species.

Authorization

The authorization of participants in purse seine net fishing who have been fishing actively

in past years, i.e. granting fishing rights only to those holders of fishing licences that have

a historical record of catch, will ensure a sustainable level of their number and prevent an

increase in fishing capacity through the activation of old or the entry of new vessels in

this form of fishing.

Closed season


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Prohibiting fishing for small pelagics (in all fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia, or

limiting the prohibition to spawning and maturation areas) for one month during the cold

seasons of the year, which would protect the sardine during its most intense spawning

period, as well as juvenile specimens of anchovy; and a one-month closed season during

the warm seasons of the year, which would protect the anchovy during its most intense

spawning period, as well as juvenile specimens of the sardine.

Special measures

Prohibiting purse seine net fishing two days prior and two days after the dark moon

period.

Minimum mesh size

The minimum mesh size of the „srdelara“purse seine net is 14 mm, which is in

accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.

Minimum catch size

In the Republic of Croatia, the minimum catch size is 11 cm for sardines and 10 cm for

anchovies. Both these values are in accordance with the minimum allowed catch sizes

specified in Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.

Closed areas

Closing areas identified as hatching and growing areas of target species during periods

defined as spawning periods. (A study that will determine hatching and growing areas of

these two species is currently being drafted.)

MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

The implementation of the management plan for „srdelara“purse seine nets will be

secured through monitoring according to DCR (group G1 according to EC 949/2008).

Monitored species are anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina

pilchardus). For the purpose of this monitoring, sardine and anchovy samples are taken

from commercial catches of „srdelara“purse seine nets. One part of the samples of the

two target species is taken directly on the vessel, i.e. at sea, while the other part comes

from the landing ports. According to the research plan, the sampling on vessels takes


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place seasonally in four major fishing zones, in which the catch comprises 87.9% of the

total catch of pelagic fish. Total catch as well as the data relating to bycatch and

discarded catch are recorded on the vessels. A representative sample of sardines and

anchovies (≈ 8 kg of each) is bought from the vessel and subsequently processed in a

laboratory in order to obtain relevant data on the biology of the observed species. At

landing ports, the sampling is performed more frequently. Therefore, samples are taken

once every two months at one landing port in each of the six coastal counties. At the

landing port, the total catch of a given vessel and its structure is recorded and, based on

the representative sample of both target species (1 case of each), the length structure of

the catch is defined. Data relating to the quantity and type of catches as well as the

quantity and type of discarded catches is also recorded. Based on all the data collected, an

assessment of biomass quantity of the observed species is performed within AdriaMed,

i.e. for the entire GSA 17.

Apart from the biological data, the implementation of the plan will be monitored in the

socio-economic context based on the National Programme for Data Collection and its

economic module,. The indicators will also be available through the implementation of

different measures as per available financing mechanism in the framework of structural

measures.

The supervision of the implementation of the plan in its technical part (compliance with

the provisions) will be conducted by fisheries inspection and through appropriate

electronic data transmission systems (FMC). The competent authorities and resources

available for monitoring the compliance with the plan's provisions will be determined

immediately after the adoption of the plan.

SPECIAL ELEMENTS IN FISHING WITH SARDINE PURSE SEINE NETS

Council Regulation No. 1967/2006 Article 13.3 determines the conditions of usage of

purse seine nets whereby it is prohibited within 300 m from the shore or 50 m isobate if

the depth of 50 m is be reached at a shorter distance. The Article also defines the ratio

between the length and height of purse seine nets, according to which purse seine nets

cannot be used at depths of less than 70% of the total net height. For the Republic of

Croatia, this condition implies that a standard net of 120 meters cannot be used at depths


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of less than 85 meters. Hydrological characteristics of the Adriatic Sea indicate that these

depths can be reached only at the middle of the Adriatic, in the area south of the Zadar-

Ancona line, which prevents most of the fleet from fishing with standard purse seine nets

in significant fishing areas. Indicators of the activity of the Croatian fishing fleet show

that great amounts of fish are caught in zones E, G and A (Figure 3), which are located in

the area where, according to this Regulation, it is prohibited to use purse seine nets of

standard height.

Figure 21 Bathymetric map of the Adriatic Sea

On the other hand, seining in the Republic of Croatia is implemented throughout the

fishing sea, which is bathymetrically varied - from the shallow shelf of the north Adriatic

to the deep slopes of central and south Adriatic (Figure 21). Therefore, most of the

commercial fleet is migratory; it fishes throughout the fishing sea of the Republic of

Croatia - vessels follow small pelagics which are by their biological characteristics

migratory. Should EC Regulation 1967/2006 strictly apply to fishermen who catch small

pelagics with purse seine nets, the vessels should have two or more purse seine nets of

different heights, which due to the size of the fishing vessels is not technically possible.

Moreover, seining is extremely selective. In a research from 2011, the bycatch of

„srdelara“purse seine nets was analysed, and the results are shown in Figure 22. A

bycatch share of 7.9% (8.7 t) was found in the 109.5 t total of the analysed catch.


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Figure 22 Bycatch quantities in „srdelara“purse seine net catches (PERIMON, 2011)

The predominant species in the total bycatch was the chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

with a 56.8% share (Figure 23). It was followed by the bogue (Boops boops, 14.8%), and

horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus and Trachurus trachurus, 10.1% and 9.9%).

The red mullet (Mullus barbatus) had the smallest bycatch share (0.01%).

Figure 23 Bycatch content of small oily fish purse seine nets 2011.

With regard to this issue, together with Italy and Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia

asked for the opinion of a group of independent experts who will prove the need for

exemption of Article 13 of EC Regulation 1967/2006 in the Adriatic Sea. This

opinion should be delivered in writing and enclosed with the management plan by

March 2013.


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2. OTHER PURSE SEINE NETS

Technical characteristics and catch characteristics of other purse seine nets

The so-called small purse seine nets (purse seine for mullets, needles and smelt) are

intended for catching mullets (Mugilidae), garfish (Belone belone) and smelt (Atherina

boyeri). Purse seine nets for garfish and smelt have a mesh size of 14 mm, while purse

seine nets for mullets have a mesh size of 26 mm. These purse seine nets work on the

same principle as those for sardines and the only difference is that they are smaller nets

that involve smaller fishing vessels and smaller catches, along with a much more

restricted fishing area.

The so-called large purse seine nets (Atlantic bonito and tuna) are intended for

catching bonito (Sarda sarda), bullet tuna (Auxis rochery), little tunny (Euthynnus

alletteratus), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Purse

seine nets for catching Atlantic bonito have a mesh size of 34 mm, while purse seine nets

for catching tuna have a mesh size of 40 mm. Those purse seine nets work on the same

principle as „srdelara“purse seine nets.

2.a. “CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE

The greatest catches using the “ciplara” purse seine can be achieved in the fishing zones

E, F and G. This net is not used at all in zones B, K, I and J (Figure 24). The reason for

the geographic limit of this tool lies in its dimensions and target species.


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Catch (kg)

Fishing zone

Figure 24. Annual distribution of catch using “ciplara” purse seine according to fishing

zones in the Republic of Croatia

In 2011, the total catch using this tool amounted to 53.4 tonnes by 43 vessels. A total of

124 vessels have the right to use this gear. However, the number of active participants

varies and, in principle, drops each year. Vessels that used this gear in 2011 were, on

average, 9.15 m in length, had 69.15 kW of engine power, and a tonnage of 6.09 GT. On

average, vessels with a “ciplara” purse seine, or vessels using it, are older than 35 years

(average year of construction: 1976), with the average power of around 75 kW and

tonnage of 6 GT.

The “ciplara” purse seine accounts for less than 0.1 % of the total catch in the Republic of

Croatia, and most of the catch consists of mullet and Salema porgy.

Table 7. Mullet purse seine catch in 2011

Species Catch in kg

% of total catch using

this fishing net

% of total catch of the

species

Mullet 22,348.00 41.88 10.76

Salema

porgy 6,088.40 11.41 9.37

0

5.000

10.000

15.000

20.000

25.000

30.000

A B C D E F G

Ribolovna zona

Ulo

v (

kg

)


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The total catch made using this gear of the targeted species is up to 10.76 % for mullet

(Table 7).

This gear is restricted for use in a narrow eulittoral belt, primarily because the vessels

using this net are restricted in their operation to the inner fishing sea and zone A, where

mullets constitute over 90 % of catch using this gear.

Vessels using this gear belong to the category of small vessels for commercial fishing in

accordance with the definition set out in Council Regulation No. 1198/2006.

Having regard to the extremely limited number of vessels using this gear, as well as the

number of vessels with the right to use this gear, the value of their catch does not

represent a significant element in the total catch value of the Republic of Croatia at first

sales (less than 1 %). The significance of this gear lies in its social, rather than economic

value.

Since the catch of mullet and Salema porgy in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200

tonnes per year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and

assessment for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments

nor biological parameters that can be based on scientific results.

Due to the specificities of this gear and pursuant to Article 13.5 of Council Regulation

No. 1967/2006, the Republic of Croatia requests to be exempt from the provisions of

Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which these nets may

be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and does not

have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target immature individuals, and

does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the implementation

of this management plan.

The species exploited by this gear do not have a defined minimum catch size in

accordance with Annex III to Council Regulation No. 1967/2006, and the restricted use

of this gear, as well as the composition of the catch, restrict its impact on the stock and

the resources as a whole.

AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF “CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE

MANAGEMENT PLAN


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The aim of the mullet purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of this gear

on the stocks of species exploited on the same levels as it is today.

The socio-economic aim is to ensure the continuation of this activity with regard to the

traditional dimension of this type of fishing.


The Republic of Croatia does not have the information of biological reference values for

species caught by this gear, and will apply a precautionary approach in the management

of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan. Moreover, in the

period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of Croatia will take

the necessary measures for the relevant biological parameter for the most significant

species caught by this tool to be calculated and applied to the plan.

Aims and indicators

Aim Specific aim Indicator and quantification

Biological: to maintain

fishing on or above the

level necessary for the

replenishment of the

exploited stocks

To maintain the fleet

activities within the current

limits, with regard to a

small impact on the

resource

Mortality parameters and

biomass indices for the key

species – to maintain the

impact on this tool on the

parameters on the same level as

today or, if possible, with a

reduction of 5 %. The

parameters will be developed

under the data collection

programme.

Economic: to enable a

greater return through

diversification of activities

To increase the capacity of

marketing the catch

through multiple sales

outlets

The total value of catch made

using this gear – increase by 5

%

Social: to ensure a

continuation of the activity

in the scope present today

Number of fishing licences –

no change or reduction of 5 %

Number of active vessels – no

change



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The management measures contained in this plan take into consideration the status of

resources, as well as the characteristic of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of

Croatia. They also provide for the application of one or more of the following measures:

Permanent cessation of fishing activities

With the aim of harmonising the capacities with the available resources, and taking into

consideration the general aims and plan implementation indicators, a provision has been

made for reducing the capacity through a permanent vithdrawal of licences and vessels.

This measure is provided as one of the mechanism, but a significant reduction of the

number of active vessel is not foreseen, taking into consideration the traditional character

of this type of fishing.

Authorisation

By authorising fishing participants who use these purse seine nets and who have been

fishing actively in the past few years, i.e. by approving the possibility of fishing only for

licence holders with a historical record of their catch, a provision is made for maintaining

a sustainable number, as well as for preventing an increase in the fishing capacity through

the activation of other vessels or introduction new ones into this form of fishing.

Minimal mesh size

The minimum mesh size of “ciplara” purse seine nets is 26 mm, in accordance with

Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.

Minimum catch size

The minimum catch size for the most significant species caught using this tool are laid

down by Croatian legislation, and is 16 cm for golden grey mullet, thicklip grey mullet,

sharpnose mullet and thinlip mullet, and 20 mm for striped mullet.


The monitoring of plan implementation as regards the technical aspect (compliance with

the provisions) will be implemented by fisheries inspection and the appropriate electronic

data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources available for


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the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be determined once the

plan has been adopted.

2.b. “IGLIČARA” AND ”OLIŽNICA” PURSE SEINE

36 vessels are licensed for fishing using the “igličara” purse seine, while 5 of them (13.89

%) were active in 2011. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was used in more

than 50 % of their fishing days by a total of 10 vessels, and in more of than 70 % of their

fishing days by a total of 8 vessels (Table 2).

In 2011, the total catch amounted to 7,175.5 kg. The proportion of needle fish in the total

catch of 2011 amounted to 18.19 %.

57 vessels are licensed for “oližnica” purse seine. In 2011, 29.82 %, or 17 vessels, were

active. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was used in more than 50 % of

their fishing days by a total of 9 vessels, and in more of than 70 % of their fishing days by

a total of 7 vessels (Table 2).

In 2011, the total catch of this purse seine nets amounted to 112,149.9 kg. The proportion

of smelt in the total catch of 2011 amounted to 0.78 %. The main proportion of catch

consisted of mullet (59.83 %).


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Catch (kg)

Fishing zone

Figure 24. Distribution of annual level of catch made using “igličara” purse seine by

fishing zones in the Republic of Croatia in 2011.

Catch (kg)

Fishing zone

Figure 25. Distribution of annual level of catch made using “oližnica” purse seine by


The usage of these gears is restricted to a narrow eulittoral zone, primarily because

vessels using these nets are restricted in their operation to the area of the inner fishing sea

and zones G or A (Figures 24 and 25).

0

20.000

40.000

60.000

80.000

100.000

120.000

A B C D E F G

Ribolovna zona

Ulo

v (

kg

)


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Vessels using these gears belong to the category of small vessels for commercial fishing

in accordance with the definition set out in Council Regulation No. 1198/2006.

With regard to the extremely limited number of vessels using this gear, as well as the

number of vessels with the right to use this gear, the value of their catch does not

represent a significant element in the total catch value of the Republic of Croatia at first

sale (less than 1 %). The significance of this tool lies in its social, rather than economic

value.

Since the catch of smelt and needle in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200 tonnes per

year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and assessment

for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments nor biological

parameters that can be based on scientific advice.



Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which this purse seine

nets may be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and

does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target undersized

individuals, and does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the

implementation of this management plan.




the resources as a whole. The Republic of Croatia plans to include these three species in

list of species for which the biological data will continue to be collected in 2014 in the

framework of the implementation of this plan, regardless of the total catch thereof.

AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE “IGLIČARA” AND ”OLIŽNICA”

PURSE SEINE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The aim of the these purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of these

gears on the stocks of the species exploited at same levels as it is today.


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species caught by these gears, and will apply a precautionary approach in the

management of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan.

Moreover, in the period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of

Croatia will take the necessary measures to calculate and apply to the plan the relevant

biological parameter for the most significant species caught by these gears..

Aims and indicators






exploited stocks




small impact on the

resource





parameters on the same level

as today or, if possible, with a




programme.





marketing the catch


outlets


using this tool – increase by 5

%

Social: to ensure a






change





Permanent cessation of fishing activities


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Authorisation






Minimum mesh size

The minimum mesh size of “igličara” and “oližnica” purse seine nets is 14 mm, in

accordance with Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.

Minimum catch size

The minimum catch size for the most significant species caught using these gears are laid

down neither by the Croatian legislation nor Regulation (EZ) No. 1967/2006.


The plan implementation monitoring as regards the technical aspect (compliance with the

provisions) will be implemented by the competent inspection body and the appropriate

electronic data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources

available for the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be

determined once the plan has been adopted.

2.c. ”PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE

36 vessels own concessions for fishing using the “palamidara” purse seine, while 85 of

them (40 %) were active in 2011. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was


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used in more than 50 % of their fishing days by a total of 18 vessels, and in more of than

70 % of their fishing days by a total of 12 vessels (Table 2).

In 2011, the total catch amounted to 109,651.6 kg. This tool is intended for catching

Atlantic bonito and similar species. The proportion of Atlantic bonito in the total catch of

2011 amounted to 10.77 %, while the proportion of greater amberjack in the total catch of

this gear amounted to 36.99 %.

Although the operation of this tool is not restricted to the narrow eulittoral belt, it is used

by an extremely small number of vessels (Table 2), which are primarily situated on

remote islands, and which represent a significant socio-economic component of the local

population.

Catch (kg)

Fishing zone

Figure 26. Distribution of annual level of catch made using ”palamidara” purse seine by


Since the catch of Atlantic bonito in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200 tonnes per

year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and assessment

for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments nor biological

parameters that can be based on scientific advice.


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Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which this purse seine

nets may be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and

does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target undersized

individuals, and does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the

implementation of this management plan.




the resources as a whole.

AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE ”PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

The aim of the ”palamidara” purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of

this gear on the stocks of species exploited on the same levels as it is today.





species caught by this gear, and will apply a precautionary approach in the management

of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan. Moreover, in the

period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of Croatia will take

the necessary measures to calculate and apply to the plan the relevant biological

parameter for the most significant species caught by this gear..

Aims and indicators









small impact on the






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exploited stocks resource parameters on the same level

as today or, if possible, with a




programme.





marketing the catch


outlets


using this tool – increase by 5

%

Social: to ensure a






change





Permanent suspension of fishing







Authorisation





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Minimum mesh size

The minimum mesh size of ”palamidara” purse seine nets is 34 mm, in accordance with

Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.

Minimum catch size

The minimum allowed catch sizes for the most significant species caught using this tool

are laid down by the Croatian legislation, and are 45 cm for greater amberjack and 45 cm

for Atlantic bonito.


The plan implementation monitoring as regards the technical aspect (compliance with the

provisions) will be implemented by the competent inspection body and the appropriate

electronic data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources

available for the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be

determined once the plan has been adopted.

2.d. “TUNARA” PURSE SEINE

For ”tunara” purse seine, the fishing plan, capacity plan and inspection plan apply, as

adopted under the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

(ICCAT).


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Annexes:

Annex 1: List of designated ports (to be submitted at a later date after the decision is

adopted)

Annex 2: List of vessels authorized for purse seine fishing (to be submitted at a later date

after the decision is adopted)


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management plan for purse seine nets draft for … · the purse seine net is a surrounding type of...

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