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TOP NEWS – JUNE 2015

COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES

Tuesday 16 June, 15:00-18:30, and Meeting

Wednesday 17 June, 9:00 - 12.30 & 15:00-18:30

Room: Paul-Henri Spaak (4B001)

HIGHLIGHTS

► Public hearing on 'The single European ecolabel: setting minimum criteria'

► Exchange of views with the Legal Service on the opinion of the Advocate General of the Court of Justice on the Long-term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries exploiting those stocks - joined cases C 124/13 and C 125/13

CONTENT Words from the Chair page 3 On-going dossiers page 4 Studies & briefing notes page 6 Fisheries news page 7 AC meetings page 24 International meetings & events page 25 Partnership agreements page 27 Committee on Fisheries page 28 Calendar of PECH meetings page 29

AGENDA

Next Fisheries Committee meeting 15/07/2015 Next Hearing 23/09/2015 Multi-species management plan for fisheries

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FURTHER INFORMATION

@ EP Committee on Fisheries link

@ DG MARE (European Commission) link

@ Latvian Presidency of the Council link

@ FAO Fishery and Aquaculture link

@ ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea link

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WORDS FROM THE CHAIR

Alain CADEC Chair of Committee on Fisheries

Dear Colleagues,

European consumers rightly demand a detailed and complete labelling of fishery and aquaculture

products. At the moment we are witnessing an emergence of multiple competing private eco-labels

as well as national ones. However it becomes more and more obvious that neither private nor

national public eco-labels can provide reliable information on sustainability, quality and traceability

of products supplied to consumers. There are too many of them and their scope most of the time is

too narrow. This creates a lot of confusion for the European consumers. Only a single European

public eco-label could guarantee compliance with high environmental, social and health standards.

During the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Parliament has defended the

principle of the European eco-label for fishery and aquaculture products. It is time to start

implementing it. This year the Commission is going to present the available options, first of all with

regards to the minimum requirements for this label. Starting from there, and with enough goodwill

on all sides, the co-legislators could have European eco-label established by 2016.

This week our committee is organising a hearing on this subject. We will focus on the role of

consumer organisations, non-governmental organisations, national authorities as well as

professional organisations of fishermen, enterprises processing fishery products and aquaculture

organisations. We will also analyse the perspectives offered by a single European eco-label, the

cost-benefit ratio and the expected results. Particular attention will be paid to the issues of

traceability, food safety and prevention, as well as the determination of relevant and transparent

criteria to proceed with the labelling.

Alain CADEC

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ONGOING DOSSIERS

Reports Rapporteur Type of

procedure PECH

Committee vote

Plenary Session

Vote

Prohibition on driftnet fisheries 2014/0138(COD)

Briano COD 22-23/09 OCT III

EC/Madagascar Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution. Protocol 2014/0319(NLE)

Serrao Santos

NLE 17/06/2015 SEP I

EU/Cape Verde Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution. Protocol 2014/0329(NLE)

Van Dalen NLE 17/06/2015 SEP I

Fishing opportunities in EU waters of fishing vessels flying the flag of Venezuela in the exclusive economic zone off the coast of French Guiana. Declaration 2015/0001(NLE)

Ferreira NLE 17/06/2015 SEP I

EC/Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Partnership Agreement fishing opportunities and financial contribution. EU/Guinea-Bissau Protocol from 2012 to 2015 2012/0134(NLE)

Ferreira NLE 15/07/2015 SEP I

Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna: membership of the Extended Commission 2015/0036(NLE)

Iturgaiz NLE 15/07/2015 SEP I

Scheme of control and enforcement applicable in the area covered by the Convention on future multilateral cooperation in the North-East Atlantic Fisheries 2015/0063(COD)

Christensen COD 22-23/09/2015 DEC

Common standards for the implementation of the CFP external dimension including fisheries agreements 2015/2091(INI)

Engstrom INI 09-10/11/2015 DEC II

Multiannual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean 2015/0096(COD)

Mato COD tbc tbc

How to homogenise fisheries control in European Parliament 2015/2093(INI)

Thomas INI 10/12/2015 JAN 2016

Innovation and diversification of small-scale fisheries in areas highly dependent on fisheries 2015/2090(INI)

Tomasic INI tbc tbc

A new CFP: structure for the technical measures and the new multiannual plans 2015/2092(INI)

Mato INI tbc tbc

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Fisheries aspects within the international agreement on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 2015/2109(INI)

Nicolai INI 10/12/2015 JAN 2016

Opinions Rapporteur Type of

procedure PECH

Committee vote

Vote Commission

au Fond

An EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region 2014/2214(INI)

Nicolai INI 17/06/2015 REGI

17/09/2015

2016 budget: guidelines, Section III - Commission

Cadec BUD 31/8/2015 BUDG

2016 Budget - Mandate for the trilogue 2015/2074(BUD)

Cadec BUD 17/06/2015 BUDG

22/06/2015

*Note on procedures:

COD: Ordinary legislative procedure; CNS: Consultation; INI: Own-Initiative;

NLE: Non-legislative (incl. consent to international agreements); DEC: Discharge; BUD: Budget

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RESEARCH FROM THE POLICY DEPARTMENT ‘B’:

REQUESTED:

The role of regionalisation and management plans. How to implement the provisions of the CFP on MSY and discards in a regional context through the new management plans?

Small scale fisheries and the zero discard target Pelagic fisheries and the canning industry in Outermost Regions Fisheries management and the Arctic in the context of climate change The landing obligation and its implications on the control of fisheries Social and Economic impact on the penalty point system The discard ban and its impact on the MSY objective - A regional challenge; Socioeconomic role and environmental impact of recreational, subsistence, small-scale and other fisheries in

European union; Integration of the fisheries industry; A new technical measures framework for the new CFP; Situation of the clam (Tapes spp) fisheries sector in the EU; Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fisheries: resource assessment and social and economic situation; Markets of fisheries and aquaculture products: The added value chain and the role of promotion, labelling and

consumer information; Impact of fisheries partnership agreements in the development of employment in the EU and in third countries; Handling of and possible solutions for "choke species" within the reformed CFP - example of plaice in the Baltic

Sea

PUBLISHED:

Future of Almadraba sector. Traditional and sustainable tuna fishing methods in the EU Criteria for allocating access to fishing in the EU Alternative solutions for driftnet fisheries Long-term economic and ecologic impact of larger sustainable aquaculture Sea bass stocks and conservation measures in the EU IUU fishing and sanctions in the EU The conflict between static gear and mobile gear in inshore fisheries Deep sea fishing The obligation to land all catches - consequences for the Mediterranean Characteristics of multi-specific fisheries in the EU Best practice on the use of rights based management to reduce discards in mixed fisheries Fisheries in Germany (delegation 2014) Prospects for the development of tourism activities related to fishing Inland fisheries and the CFP Infringement procedures and imposed sanctions throughout the EU The use of FADs in tuna fisheries The impact of oil and gas drilling accidents on EU fisheries Summary of the implementation of EU Regulation 1967/2006 Fisheries cooperation with Iceland and Norway Compliance of imports of fisheries and aquaculture products with EU legislation Women in fisheries: a European perspective Global fisheries subsidies Profitability of the EU fishing fleet Fuel subsidies in the EU Data deficient fisheries in EU waters Between fisheries and bird conservation: the cormorant conflict Fisheries in Ireland/ Canary Islands/Denmark/Japan (delegations 2013) An adapted CFP reform for the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (workshop with 3 notes) Establishment of fish stock recovery areas Application of the system of derogation to the rules of origin of fisheries products in Papua New Guinea and Fuji Excess fishing capacity in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy The role of China in world fisheries The small-scale coastal fleet in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy Rights-based fisheries management in Iceland Fisheries in Brittany/Iceland/Veneto (delegations 2012) Does overfishing promote algal blooms? Regime shifts in marine ecosystems (workshop with 4 notes) Perspectives for the new European Fisheries Fund Characteristics of small-scale coastal fisheries in Europe The North Sea brown shrimp fisheries Industrial fisheries in the Baltic Sea Fisheries in Portugal/Poland/Bulgaria/Seychelles (delegations 2011) Fisheries in the Black Sea

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Interaction of seals and fish stocks (workshop with 4 notes) Natura 2000 and the Common Fisheries Policy Real-time closures of fisheries Long-term impact of different fishing methods on the ecosystem in the Kattegat and Öresund Fisheries in the Basque Country/Sicily/Sweden/Mauritania (delegations 2010)

@ You can access the studies and other documents via this link

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FISHERIES NEWS IN BRIEF

EUROPEAN COMMISSION News - Press service Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 16 June 2015 (Luxemburg) (15/06/2015) The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place in Luxembourg on 16 June 2015. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella and Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis. A press conference will be held at the end of the discussions. The public debates and the press conferences can be followed by video streaming: http://video.consilium.europa.eu Fisheries Fishing opportunities for 2016 – Policy statement Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the Commission's communication on EU fisheries which has been tabled earlier this month in the run up to the process of setting fishing opportunities for 2016. The main messages are that in the last few years the EU has managed its fisheries more sustainably and thus achieved a better state for a large number of its fish stocks. There are also indications that where overfishing still exists, the rate of overfishing has significantly decreased. Overfishing is still predominant in the Mediterranean however, where improvements have been slower. For 2016, the European Commission will propose Total Allowable Catches (TACs) with a view to achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in the same year – that is, to fish stocks at an optimal level that allows them to regenerate. For other stocks where there is no MSY indicator, the TACs proposed will be in line with available scientific advice, as provided by ICES. In other cases, where there are data-poor stocks without quantitative advice, the precautionary approach will be applied.

European Fisheries Fund, 2007-13 Ministers will also discuss a request by Greece to extend for 6 months the eligibility period of expenditure for the Operational Programme Fisheries 2007-2013 (to expire on 31 July 2015). Russian ban on fisheries products from EU member states Russia has imposed a ban on Latvian and Estonian fish and fish product imports for sanitary reasons, as of 4th of June 2015. The Commission will present a set of measures and instruments that can be mobilised to support the Member States and industry affected by this decision. Seminar on the state of fish stocks and the economic performance of fishing fleets, Brussels, 14 July 2015 (11/06/2015) Commissioner Vella is pleased to extend an open invitation to a public seminar on the state of fish stocks and the economic performance of fishing fleets on 14 July 2015 in Brussels. The seminar will review the latest information on the state of fish stocks and of the economic developments of the fleets in the Northeast Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and in the Mediterranean. Commissioner Vella is expected to attend the opening session. Senior scientists from independent bodies, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries will make presentations on the state of fish stocks in EU waters and on the economic conditions of fishing fleets, and there will be an exchange of views with the Advisory Councils and the participants. The seminar is open to all members of the public. If you are interested, please register at: fishstocks.onetec.eu. Confirmation of participation will be sent out by email on 1 July, subject to available space in the meeting room. Bluefin Tuna fishing campaign 2015 ends successfully

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(10/06/2015) The Bluefin Tuna purse seine season, lasting from 26 May to 24 June 2015, has come to an early end for the 99% of the European purse-seiners. Thus, the EU Member States involved in this fishing activity have called back to ports the purse seiners since their quotas have been exhausted. Fishing activities are still performed by Croatian small scale vessels, which continue to fish only in the Adriatic but are expected to end soon. The European Commission is pleased to note that no major issues, that may indicate systemic overfishing or illegal fishing activities of Bluefin Tuna by EU vessels, have been detected so far. It also notes that no report of suspicious activities has been received by NGOs. A full and explicit report of possible non-compliance activities, based on a detailed examination of the data that are collected, will be prepared by the European Commission after the official closure of the fishing season. The European Commission control team - together with the team of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) - is now focusing on the caging operations in Spain and Malta, in close co-operation with the competent national authorities in order to ensure that during the caging activities no Bluefin Tuna quota will be overshot. More information 26/05/2015 - Bluefin tuna fishing season 2015: EU benefits from recovery of the stock 32nd North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) Annual Meeting: EU welcomes progress but more work needed (08/06/2015) The 32nd North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Canada (2-5 June 2015), led to the adoption of new regulatory measures for salmon fisheries in Faroese waters and at West Greenland. In a joint statement, the European Union, Canada and the United States recognized the significant progress made towards enhancing

monitoring and control of the wild Atlantic salmon fishery at West Greenland, but highlighted that more work remains to be done in order to achieve consensus on a total catch limit. They reiterated their commitment to continue working with Denmark (in respect of Faroe Islands and Greenland) with a view to mutually agree in the near future on a comprehensive regulation to manage this mixed-stock fishery according to the scientific advice of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), so to collectively address further threats to wild Atlantic salmon, which face extinction in some states of origin. NASCO is a Regional Fishery Management Organisation formed by a treaty in 1984 with the objective to conserve, restore and rationally manage wild Atlantic salmon stocks. It is the only intergovernmental organisation with this mandate which it implements through international consultation, negotiation and co-operation. Its members are Canada, Denmark (in respect and the Faroe Islands and Greenland), EU, Norway, Russia and the United States. Closing session of UNESCO World Oceans Day Conference 8 June 2015, Paris Speech by Commissioner Vella (08/06/2015) Your serene Highness, President, Vice-President, Honourable Prime Minister, Ambassadors, Director-General, guardians and friends of the ocean, To say it is a great honour for me to speak here today on World Oceans Day is an understatement. I could not miss this opportunity to contribute to a better ocean, on this, World Oceans Day. Having listened to the previous speakers, I do not need to remind us of the importance of the oceans. We are all convinced of their importance. In the EU we have also recognised their key role not only as climate regulators, absorbers of CO2, and providers of oxygen, but also as a source of renewable energy, nutritious food and medicine, as a core asset for marine and coastal tourism and maritime transport.

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We have realised in particular that if our oceans are not healthy, our economy also falls ill. If pressure on the seas – including from climate change – erodes our marine ecosystems, we are also eroding the basis of sustainable blue growth and the future of coastal communities. It is also important to note that if knowledge about the oceans is not there or not shared, policy makers and businesses cannot take the right decisions. Internally in the EU, we have therefore decided to take action: We have put in place a robust set of environmental rules to protect the marine environment, to ensure a sustainable use of marine resources and to help oceans continue to play their role in buffering climate change. We are using a combination of financial support and regulation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to promote renewable energy, to reduce energy use and to improve resource efficiency. This will also soften pressure on marine ecosystems. Our ambitious proposal on the circular economy, to be adopted in the Autumn, will further contribute to that. We all developed a unique piece of legislation that requires countries across Europe to plan the use of maritime space. This allows countries to predict and manage the cumulative impact of maritime activities on the seas. It also gives certainty to potential investors. We drew up an EU-level strategy to boost sustainable blue growth: a strategy which integrates the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of the blue economy. The EU and its MS together are spending about 2 billion € per year on marine and maritime research. We are putting in place mechanisms for scientists to cooperate better and share more information. We are also giving better access to maritime information for free to researchers. Meanwhile the EU is also acting externally. Better together is not a slogan - it is a commitment. We have realised that the marine environment does not respect national boundaries. That the maritime challenges and opportunities we are facing in the EU are the same globally. That we have a global shared responsibility. And this is the reason for the

need of a global alliance. We have global issues needing global actions and solutions. So let me give you two examples of what we are doing to reach out internationally: Last Thursday, I have launched an international public consultation on ocean governance. We are reaching out to all stakeholders – international organisations, state actors, the research community, academia, NGOs, businesses and others. We are asking them, and also asking you: 1) Is the current international ocean governance framework effective and adequate to ensure that the oceans are used sustainably? 2) And if not, what needs to be done to make it more effective? I would very much welcome your views on that. I mentioned before the link between oceans and climate change and I am very grateful to UNESCO for emphasizing this link at today's event. The recommendations put forward just now will no doubt raise further awareness to this connection. As you know, the EU is fully committed to reaching an inclusive, legally binding climate agreement in December. And I would like to reaffirm at this stage, our intention to continue strengthening our cooperation for better science and a healthier ocean. The EU was the first major economy to submit its contribution to the new agreement. A handful of others, including the US, Canada, Russia and Mexico have followed. Given the responsibilities and capabilities of all parties, we are looking for contributions that are as ambitious as possible. The efforts and ambition of the G20 countries will be decisive since they account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Here I would like to stress that the voice of Small Island Developing States also carries enormous authority in the negotiations. I am therefore very happy to share this session with their representatives. I am fully aware of your vulnerability and I commend you for the leadership you have consistently demonstrated on many issues. Coming from Malta, I too was born and bred in a small island state, with all the passion for and dependence on the sea around us. Let me conclude by wishing France, the Country which will host the Conference in December, and all of us, a successful

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outcome. Let us all work to ensure that healthy oceans and their productive ecosystems help keeping this blue planet the wonderful place that it is. And talkling about the Blue Planet, today is World Ocean Day. Last Friday it was World Environment Day. The Oceans and the environment are so close on the calendar. Let us engage so that they are just as close in the real world as they are on the calendar. Thank you all. Call for tenders MARE/2014/44 (08/06/2015) Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Study on approaches to management for data-poor stocks in mixed fisheries Details: Published in Official Journal S/105 of 03/06/2015 (ref. 2015/S 105-189924) Deadline for submission of bids: 31/07/2015 EU and Liberia initial a new sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (05/06/2015) Today, after a third round of negotiations, the European Union and the Republic of Liberia concluded a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement as well as an associated Protocol of a 5-year duration setting out the fishing opportunities for EU vessels, the financial compensation to be paid by EU and the modalities of support to be offered to the fishing sector of Liberia. The Protocol provides the EU with fishing opportunities for 6 500 tonnes of tuna and other highly migratory species, for 28 purse seiners and 6 long-line vessels. In return, the EU will pay Liberia an annual compensation of € 650 000, out of which 50% is earmarked to support the fisheries policy of Liberia. The Agreement and the Protocol are fully in line with the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and will ensure that the fishing activities of EU vessels in Liberian waters will be carried out in respect of the principles of sustainability, good governance, transparency, non-discrimination and respect

of human rights. Control of fishing activities and catch reporting will be assured through the use of Electronic Reporting System (ERS – Electronic logbooks) and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). Both parties have also committed to respect fully all the recommendations made by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). This Protocol will also reinforce cooperation between the two parties, especially in their fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Moreover, the agreement will help Liberia reinforce its fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance capacity, as well as to enhance scientific cooperation and promote the development of the fishing sector of Liberia. The new Partnership Agreement is expected to contribute to Liberia's recovery after the Ebola crisis and is a sign of the EU's confidence in Liberia's economy. More information

EU's fisheries agreements

MAREA PROJECT: STOCKMED Stock units: Identification of distinct biological units (stock units) for different fish and shellfish species and among different GFCM-GSA Study published 05/06/2015 Link Adverse fisheries impacts on cetacean populations in the Black Sea A new study is on-line (05/06/2015) General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) shows renewed commitment for revival of the Mediterranean and Black sea (05/06/2015) The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean has adopted at its annual session (25-29 May, Milan), a set of recommendations based on proposals made

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by the European Union. The recommendations are key to improving the sustainable management of fisheries for shared stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Commissioner Karmenu Vella said: "I very much welcome the progress made at the GFCM meeting. The commitment made by contracting parties from all corners of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea to introduce measures to further address monitoring and compliance is an important step forward. I remain committed towards encouraging continued effort to promote, secure, and invest in sustainable fishing practices with our partners from across the Mediterranean. I am confident that through meeting our joint commitments we can revive fish stocks and ensure the longer term viability of our industry". Key steps taken at the session include the commitment for parties to efficiently manage the number of trawlers authorised to fish in the Strait of Sicily and to ensure that their fleet is equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). These renewed commitments move us a step closer towards a level playing field in the Mediterranean. Fisheries management measures were also agreed for the Adriatic Sea and Black Sea, particularly for turbot which is subject to IUU activities. Efforts will now need to focus on fully implementing the agreed measures. International Ocean Governance Deadline: 15 September 2015 A new consultation is on-line (05/06/2015) Ocean Governance public consultation and listening tour Announcement made by Commissioner Vella at the World Ocean Summit, Lisbon (04/06/2015) Announcement of Ocean Governance public consultation and listening tour at World Ocean Summit, Lisbon, 4 June 2015 Oceans are a key asset for the EU. The blue economy already produces 5% of our GDP

and provides nearly 5 million jobs. It has the potential to contribute much more. But we also realised in the EU that if our oceans are not healthy, our economy falls ill. If there is no legal and policy certainty, business will not invest. If knowledge about the oceans is not there or not shared, businesses and politicians cannot make the right choices. And some nascent industries may need a bit of a financial push to scale up. So this is what the EU has done: We have put in place a robust set of environmental rules to ensure sustainable use of marine resources. We drew up an EU-level strategy to boost sustainable blue growth, focussing on particularly promising sectors (ocean energy, marine biotech, seabed mining, marine tourism and aquaculture). We put in place regional strategies to support the blue economy and to address common policy challenges in our different sea-basins. We developed a unique piece of legislation that requires countries across Europe to plan the use of maritime space. This gives operators certainty on what can be done, where and for how long and it cuts red tape to get permits. We are spending about 350 million € per year on marine and maritime research, and putting in place mechanisms for scientists to cooperate better and share more information. We are giving better access to maritime information for free to industry, public authorities, researchers and civil society. We are also improving exchange of information between surveillance authorities, such as coast guards, customs and port authorities, and make them work together. This makes all surveillance and monitoring activities much cheaper and efficient. And finally, we are mainstreaming funding and investment into maritime activities. Blue businesses will be very well placed to access the EU’s new investment fund worth 315 billion euro over the next three years. This will drive innovation, improve technology and build infrastructure in the blue economy. However, we have also realised that the maritime challenges and opportunities we are facing in the EU are the same globally. Since the oceans are shared amongst all of us we cannot limit ourselves to our own courtyard. We have a shared responsibility to seize opportunities in a sustainable way. This can only be done through an international ocean governance framework

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that ensures that ocean resources are used sustainably. There are doubts whether the existing governance framework is effective in doing that. Therefore, I am pleased to announce here that the European Commission is launching today a public consultation on international ocean governance. We are reaching out to all stakeholders - international organisations, state actors, NGOs, business, the research community, academia – and ask them/ask you: 1) Is the current ocean governance framework effective? 2) If not, what needs to be done to make it more effective? In addition to the consultation, I'm going on a "Listening Tour" in the coming six months. I will be listening to the views of international partners and other stakeholders – starting here today with some of you. I am looking forward to your contributions and to our first discussion here today. Commission asks public its views on EU's role in shaping international ocean governance (04/06/2015) The European Commission launched today a public consultation, to collect views on how the EU could contribute to achieving better international governance of oceans and seas to the benefit of sustainable blue growth. Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, launched the consultation at the World Ocean Summit in Portugal: "If our oceans are not healthy, our economy falls ill. Global maritime challenges require global solutions. I am committed to work intensively to define Europe's role in international ocean governance, for a sustainable blue economy and blue growth." The international discussion on ocean governance is growing as the use of marine resources is increasing globally. Illegal fishing, uncontrolled seabed mining, marine litter are only some of the challenges that need to be addressed through global cooperation. The existing international ocean governance framework could be ineffective in addressing such maritime challenges; particularly in the 60 per cent of the oceans that are beyond national jurisdictions.

The EU plays a prominent role in this discussion. The blue economy already produces 5% of its GDP and provides nearly 5 million jobs. Moreover, the EU is a global frontrunner in the development of sustainable ocean based economies through its robust set of environmental rules, integrated maritime policy, reformed Common Fisheries Policy and its global fight against illegal fishing. In order to assess the best path for action and the EU's role in this, the Commission is reaching out to all stakeholders - international organisations, state actors, NGOs, business, the research community, academia and civil society – via an online public consultation. The consultation will be complemented by a "listening tour" during which Commissioner Vella will personally engage with stakeholders and international partners to gather their views and discuss possible ways forward. The public consultation will run until 15th September 2015. Fishing opportunities for 2016 under the Common Fisheries Policy (04/06/2015) Deadline: 1 October 2015 A new consultation is on-line Commission plans for 2016 fishing opportunities: North and Atlantic seas fisheries progress to sustainability, serious overfishing in Mediterranean (02/06/2015) Fisheries in Europe are further progressing to sustainability in the North and West of the European Union. More fish can be harvested, thereby contributing to improved revenues for our fishermen and their communities. However, in the Mediterranean Sea, serious problems of overfishing continue to persist. These are the key messages that Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, passes in this year's report on the state of fish stocks and the preparation for setting next years' fish quotas. Commissioner Vella stated: "The visible success in northern fisheries proves that sustainable fisheries management is possible. Together with the fishermen we now

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need to consolidate the positive results and achieve the goals of the new Common Fisheries Policy. Our efforts in the Mediterranean need to be stepped up.. We need to develop Union management plans and more effective regional plans. But only when we address the situation in our Member States, will we gain the necessary credibility to start discussing with our partners in the Mediterranean.” The document is now open to the views of stakeholders via an online public consultation. The Commission will make its proposals for the 2016 fishing opportunities during the autumn. In its annual reporting on the state of the resources, the Commission highlights two different situations: There is good news in the Northeast Atlantic area, the North Sea and the Baltic Seas where more than 50 % of fisheries (32 out of 62 MSY-assessed stocks) were at sustainable levels in 2014, compared to only 14 % in 2009. They include many of the commercially important stocks. The fish stocks in the Mediterranean show a dismal picture: 93% of the assessed stocks are not sustainably fished. The situation is similar for stocks fished by fishermen from the EU only, and stocks shared with fishermen of third countries. The Black Sea is in a comparable situation, with 86 % of the assessed stocks being overfished. The Commission confirms its commitment to bring all fisheries as soon as possible to levels that correspond to maximum sustainable yields (MSY). This core objective of the new Common Fisheries Policy will contribute to reaching good environmental status in our seas by 2020 at the latest. Background In its annual consultation paper, the European Commission sets out its views and intentions for setting the annual fish quotas – the levels of Total Allowable Catches (TACs), quotas and fishing effort - for 2016 and asks for the views of Member States, the fishing industry and non-governmental organisations in regional Advisory Councils, as well as interested citizens and organisations via an online public consultation. In the autumn, the Commission will then table its proposals for fishing opportunities for 2016 in the Union waters of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. On the basis of the latest scientific advice, the Commission intends to table proposals for

fish quotas in the Northeast Atlantic and the North and Baltic Seas in line with the MSY objective. The Commission's proposals will include the upward adjustments to the fishing opportunities resulting from the introduction of the obligation to land all catches in demersal fisheries in the Atlantic and North Sea from 2016. The Commission's ultimate objective is to achieve sustainable fishing in line with the objectives of the new Common Fisheries Policy. The Commission bases its proposals on the best available biological advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) and other independent bodies. For further information Questions and Answers about Fishing Opportunities in the EU for 2016: MEMO/15/5083 The Communication can be read at: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_en.htm Questions and Answers about Fishing Opportunities in the EU for 2016 (02/06/2015) The European Commission has published its annual consultation paper in preparation for setting next year's fish quota later in the year. The Commission now asks for the views of Member States, the fishing industry and non-governmental organisations in regional Advisory Councils, as well as interested citizens and organisations via an online public consultation. The Commission will use the input when making its proposals for the 2016 fishing opportunities during the autumn. What are fishing opportunities? How are they set? The Commission makes the annual proposal for the so-called Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for most commercial stocks in the European seas outside the Mediterranean Sea. The proposed amounts are based on biological advice from an independent scientific body. The Council of Ministers (fisheries Ministers from Member States) and the Commission then decide later in the year on these TAC. Once established they are divided among Member States according to pre-agreed shares, called quotas. Member

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States manage the national quotas and share them out among the fishing industry, as a right to fish and land a certain amount of fish within the calendar year. For some fisheries there are also limits on the numbers of days vessels can spend fishing. Where does the scientific advice come from? Fishermen provide data on their catches and fishing activity, which are used by experts in Member States who then assess the state of the stocks. They also use samples of fish from commercial landings and from discards, and use research vessels to sample the amounts of fish in the sea at different places and different times of year. They determine how the state of health of the stock and then work out how much can be fished sustainably in the following year, often with the help of models. This work is done under the coordination of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) who provides the Commission with the independent and validated advice. In some cases other advisory bodies, such as the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), are consulted. What is the basis for the fishing opportunities? The new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) fixes the objective of reaching maximum sustainable yield (MSY) between 2015 and 2020 at the latest. MSY relates to the delivery of the highest long-term catches. At the same time it ensures the sustainable conservation of the stock and allows for maximization of fish supply and revenues from fishing. The TACs are set with a view to ensuring MSY. Since 2015 a landing obligation is being introduced gradually, thereby prohibiting the throwing back of fish to the sea once it has been caught. By 2019, all European fisheries will be covered by this landing obligation. In 2016, demersal fisheries (catching for instance hake, cod, haddock, sole) will make a start with the landing obligation in the Atlantic waters and the North Sea. This change has implications for the levels of relevant TACs, which can be adjusted according to biological advice. Regionalised management under the new CFP is also progressing further. While TACs are set by the Council of Ministers, for the management of the landing obligation Member States are preparing the implementation regionally (with discard

plans). These regional initiatives will further expand when multiannual plans have been adopted. Rather than detailed decisions being taken in Brussels, Member States acting together will decide on these. Is the policy working? Yes. In the Northeast Atlantic area (including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea) a widespread move towards sustainability is visible. While most stocks were overfished in the early 2000s, nowadays more than half of the (MSY assessed) stocks are managed sustainably, and this includes many of the largest and commercially most valuable stocks. This is real and important progress towards achieving the objective of the CFP. In the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea most of the stocks are still overfished. While Member States have put in place management plans for their fisheries on a local or regional basis, they have not yet shown tangible results. With an improving knowledge base and increasing biological advice for these areas, the challenges for the fisheries in these sea basins are also becoming more obvious. For further information The Communication can be read at: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/tacs/index_en.htm Bluefin tuna fishing season 2015: EU benefits from recovery of the stock (26/05/2015) The main Bluefin Tuna fishing season runs from 26 May to 24 June; this is when large vessels, purse seiners, are allowed to fish for Bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean and the Eastern Atlantic. This year, for the first time since the establishment of the Bluefin tuna recovery plan in 2006, there is a marked increase in the quota that the European Union is allowed to fish (over 9,372 tonnes). This is due to the progressive recovery of the stock, as demonstrated by scientific evidence, which led to an increase of 20% of the overall quota for Bluefin tuna. European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: "Bluefin tuna, an emblematic stock nearing collapse, is back to life. For the first time in almost a decade, our fishermen can benefit with an increased quota.

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Sustainability and good management pay off. We must continue on this route." To sustain this recovery, the EU has reiterated its commitment to fully implement the international control measures for the Bluefin tuna fishery. Also, a strict control and inspection programme has been put in place to avoid overfishing, coordinated by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and the Member States concerned. These high control standards require that a significant number of inspectors, patrol vessels and aircrafts are deployed during the entire year. Increased control activities take place during the purse seine fishing season and the caging period of the fish caught alive by purse seiners and traps. For the latter, strict procedures are followed to verify the quantities of fish put in cages for farming purposes. The European Commission also monitors catches on a constant basis, including through a a satellite-based control system called Vessel Monitoring System. This is to ensure that all rules, and particularly the individual vessels' quotas, are fully respected. The Bluefin tuna fishery is regulated by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) where the EU and member states are members. The close collaboration with EFCA, Member States and other ICCAT Contracting Parties, means that all necessary measures are being taken to support the stock's recovery plan and its long term sustainability. The Member States actively involved in the Bluefin tuna fishery are Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus. The 8 countries share the EU quota, with Spain and France having the largest shares. Background In 2006, ICCAT adopted a 15-year recovery plan for Bluefin tuna in the East Atlantic and Mediterranean which has been regularly modified based on stock assessment, control experiences and new technologies. In 2010, 2012 and 2014 substantial measures have been introduced to enforce the sustainable management of the stock. At its

last annual meeting in November 2014, ICCAT endorsed a 20% annual increase of the Bluefin tuna (BFT) Total allowable catch (TAC) over the next three years. As a result, the EU quota increased from 7,938.65 t in 2014 to 9,372.92 in 2015 (20%). See also Facts and figures: 2015 Bluefin Tuna Fishing Season Facts and figures: 2015 Bluefin Tuna fishing Season (26/05/2015) The Bluefin tuna fishery is regulated by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to which the EU is a contracting party. Important control measures have been adopted to standardize the control of live fish at the point of caging into farms and to establish a protocol to release fish in excess, internationally as well as in in EU waters. The 2015 Bluefin tuna season for large vessels, purse seiners, will run from 26 May to 24 June. Those vessels, which catch the fish alive for farming purposes, share 61% of the total EU quota. The traps fishery (20% of the EU quota) and the line vessel fishery started earlier this year. 8 EU member states are involved in the Bluefin Tuna fishery (Cyprus, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain). Continuous cross-checking is undertaken by the European Commission to ensure that measures are fully respected by all Member States involved, concerning the fishing seasons, the quotas and the new control measures. The Commission also deploys its own inspectors and carries out spot checks at critical moments and in particular at the time of caging into the farms. Based on the benchmarks set up in the Specific Control and Inspection Programme (SCIP) adopted in 2014, a Joint Deployment Plan (JDP) for the control of the Bluefin tuna fishery for 2015 has been adopted by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA). As in previous years, the plan brings together the European Commission, Member States and the EFCA, and draws on the resources of

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the eight EU Member States involved in the fishery. Key data

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) (for all ICCAT members): 15.821 tonnes.

EU 2015 quota: 9,372.92 tonnes. EU total fleet: around 910 vessels and

12 traps. Member states actively involved in the

fishery: Cyprus, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain.

Fishing period for the purse seiners: 26.05.2015-24.06.2015.

Main actors in the control: EC, EFCA, Member states.

Member States Control means: around 30 fishery patrol vessels and 11 aircrafts.

EU control means: Control missions: 200 days of fishery patrol vessel activity, 70 days of land inspections, and 100 hours of air surveillance.

The ICCAT Recovery Plan The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas. The EU is represented as one of the 49 Contracting parties in ICCAT. In 2006, ICCAT adopted a 15-year Recovery Plan for Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The Plan addressed concerns raised by the Scientific Committee, notably an excess of fishing capacity and a lack of compliance with ICCAT measures. The ICCAT Recovery Plan entered into force on 13 June 2007 and was strengthened in 2008 and again in 2009. In November 2010, a reduction of the fishing allocation for Bluefin Tuna was agreed and the control and inspection policy for all fishing activities was reinforced. ICCAT also assessed the compliance of inspections, capacity and fishing plans for the 2011 Bluefin tuna fishing campaign. In November 2012, the ICCAT Recovery plan was amended with a slight increase of the overall TAC to 13.400t as of 2013, with an EU quota of 7.548t compared to 5.756t in 2011 and 2012. Further measures were adopted to strengthen a set of control aspects and the one month fishing season for purse seiners in

the Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean was postponed by ten days. During the 2013 ICCAT Annual Meeting, new rules were agreed for the use of stereoscopic cameras when live Bluefin tuna are caged into farms. The overall total allowable catch (TAC) has not been modified but the EU quota for 2014 rose to 7.939 tonnes due to the inclusion of the Croatian quota of 390,6 tonnes. During the ICCAT Annual Meeting held in November 2014, ICCAT adopted a reinforced multi-annual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna. Based on the positive outcomes of BFT stock assessment of the ICCAT Scientific Body (SCRS), ICCAT endorsed a 60% increase of the Bluefin tuna (BFT) Total allowable catch (TAC) over the next three years. Consequently, the EU quota rose from 7,938.65 t in 2014 to 9,372.92 in 2015 which corresponds to an increase of 20%. The most important control measures adopted relate to the control of live fish at the point of caging, procedures to release fish in excess and the treatment of dead fish during transfer operations at sea. Further information ICCAT website General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, key note speech Speech by Commissioner Vella in Milan (25/05/2015) General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, key note speech, 25 May, Milan Mr Cataudella, Mr Srour, Ladies and gentlemen, One year's progress First I'd like to say it is a great pleasure to finally meet you all in my capacity as European Commissioner. I know that this time last year you had fixed some important priorities and I think we can be proud of the progress made since then. I refer, in particular, to the reform of the organisation. The GFCM is now better equipped to play its role in a modern, competent and effective way.

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I can now see this role – and the leadership - of GFCM grow further in the future. Together, we have the power to reverse some very negative trends of overfishing – the power to make a real difference. And we need to use that power urgently and positively. And in order to do that, I am sure we also have the goodwill. Scientific advice Today's fishing industry could only be sustainable if it is based on scientific advice. It is no secret that many Mediterranean species are heavily overfished. Stocks are critically low, in some cases even in danger. To reverse this potentially devastating trend, we need scientific knowledge of their status as a basis for rigorous action. I know the organisation is making great efforts in this direction, but reliable data is still unavailable for far too many stocks. This makes it impossible to provide accurate assessments. We have to make a serious commitment to do more to gather this crucial data; and then, equally importantly, we have to share it among ourselves. Doing more means that each Contracting Party cooperates to facilitate regular monitoring and data collection and that every country undertakes all actions necessary to support the work of our scientists. Working with science rather than against it is in our common interest. It is the modus operandi on which the EU works and which I continue to encourage. I would like to see such cooperation extend throughout the Mediterranean and the Black sea. I believe such cooperation will be the basis on which we can ensure the longer term survival of both our fish stocks, and our fishing industries. The Commission stands ready to assist our partners through all available means to improve the quality of work and cooperation with the scientific community. The knowledge obtained, combined with an in depth socio-economic analysis, must remain central to our collective decision-making process. A science-based approach will be instrumental to increasing our collective trust and buy-in amongst all the Parties. Ultimately, we all stand to benefit. But we also need to act in cases where we don't yet have the necessary science to develop proper management measures. Lack of data should not be an excuse for not protecting the stocks and we should be guided by the precautionary approach,

Management Plans/ Cooperation with third countries Like any other sector, our industry needs to be well planned and well managed. Our efforts must be conceived with the bigger picture in mind. Because we share many of our stocks among different countries, we need to work towards common long-term plans throughout the Mediterranean. They can be tailored to the different sub-regions – and we need to manage them properly, in order to bring our marine living resources back to health. I know that cooperation is not always easy, but we have a vested interest in working together: by increasing yields, we will restore the sector's confidence and its economic prospects for the future. We have a similar situation in the Black Sea, which is also shared with third countries and also has stocks in a critical condition. Here too the Commission is advocating a common approach, with transparent management standards that translate into concrete operational measures. This was my message in March during the Black Sea Stakeholders Conference in Sofia. We will continue to push for progress in both sea basins, precisely because we have fish stocks in common. If we do not – we will suffer collectively - economically, socially and politically – through diminished resources vital for our very own livelihood. The prerequisite is that all countries, including the non-GFCM members, get on board. It is imperative that we reach out to them, also via the other international organisations active in the Med such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the Dialogue 5+5, so that even if they don’t join, at least they can be aware of our common motivation and initiatives. Level playing field/compliance We also need a level playing field between all parties, especially in the area of compliance. The reasons for a level playing field are several, and they are in fact the same reasons as to why we have to have complete and uniform compliance with the rules: If not everyone is playing by the same rules, we will not save our industry and we will not have sufficient stocks to feed our children in the future. Blue growth Apart from fisheries, I would like to make some comments about blue growth and other

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maritime opportunities to which our fishing industries are also connected. Some of you may think that with fisheries in a poor state of recovery, the outlook for the Mediterranean is rather bleak. I beg to disagree. We will be able to keep fishing if we restrain the efforts now and let the stocks recover. It has been done elsewhere: for example, the haddock fishery in the North East Atlantic is already giving increased returns from fishing the stock at a sustainable level. It can also be done in the Mediterranean. So first let's take care of our stocks. In parallel, the blue economy has opened up new opportunities for our fishermen. Diversification allows them to expand their business. There are plenty of opportunities in the maritime economy and fishing communities can also engage in other promising activities, for example fish farming or ecotourism where their vessels could be utilised for tourist excursions, research and education purposes. I also see an important role for them to contribute towards cleaning up our seas through collecting plastic litter and ghost gear such as abandoned fishing nets. The knowledge of fishermen cultural heritage, underwater archaeological sites and local fishing traditions is an economic asset that can be better deployed. Right now we have in fact some fishermen testing the long-term viability of such alternatives in a pilot project called "Guardians of the Sea" that the Commission is carrying out with the support of the European Parliament. My point is that the Mediterranean Sea has a great potential for sustainable growth and job creation and fishermen are set to benefit. It is up to us to find smart ways to exploit it without depleting its resources. I am determined to engage positively and constructively with all of you as the members of the GFCM as well as with partnering countries from outside of the EU. As you are aware the EU is active on many fronts. Encouraging sustainable business models within the Blue Economy is one of my personal priorities. We are in fact only just starting to fully appreciate the extent of the economic impact of blue-industries on our economy. I want to work to seize these opportunities and attract further investment across all dimensions of the Mediterranean.

With new opportunity, however, must come added responsibility. As EU Commissioner, I continue to urge our Member States to live up to their obligations to comply with strict EU standards. I can assure you that when rules are broken, the Commission will take all necessary action to ensure responsibilities are fulfilled. The benefits of the EU’s commitments however, clearly extend beyond EU borders and across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. For which reason I very much encourage all parties to remain equally ambitious in your commitments and to agree to our proposals to tackle overfishing. The scientific evidence justifying urgent measures has been clear enough – it is now high-time that national management plans fully reflect reductions in fishing capacity and effort before the end of the year and to ensure that such measures are sufficiently fit for purpose. My commitment to you is that I am not only prepared, but determined to make sure EU resources are deployed in ways that take account of the full extent of the challenges our common waters face. So ladies and gentlemen, my aspiration is for us to work as partners in the years to come, hopefully welcoming new members into the organisation soon, to counter any irresponsible use of marine resources, to stop the downward trend in our stocks, and to find new outlets for our people and new potential for the Mediterranean Sea. Development of multi-annual plans for the management of demersal fisheries in western EU waters (25/05/2015) Deadline: 11 September 2015 A new consultation is on-line

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Regulation establishing a multiannual plan for the management of Northern Adriatic Sea small pelagic fisheries (25/05/2015) Deadline: 11 September 2015 A new consultation is on-line Aquaculture in Europe: A model for the future (22/05/2015) Speech by Commissioner Vella at the Expo 2015 Milan, Italy Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, We're here in EXPO Milano to discuss the future of European aquaculture, and this is a very fitting setting. We are also here to try and answer a very important question. The question asked at this EXPO is “Is it possible to ensure sufficient, good, healthy and sustainable food for all mankind?” Aquaculture is definitely part of the answer. Seafood is a very healthy, very valuable source of nutrients: proteins, minerals and essential oils, like Omega 3s, that are good for the brain and that our body cannot produce by itself. 3 billion people get 20 percent of their animal protein from fishery products. And consumption is growing. Global consumption has almost doubled in the last fifty years – from 10kg per person in the 1960s to 20kg in 2012. World population continues to grow and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. These two combined factors are putting an unbearable strain on the stocks of wild fish. In the EU we are reducing overfishing and helping the most vulnerable stocks to recover. The haddock fishery in the North East Atlantic is already giving increased returns from fishing the stock at a sustainable level. We are also working with global partners to ensure sustainable fishing worldwide. But fisheries alone will not be able to meet the demand of future generations; already now, half of the seafood produced in the world comes from aquaculture. The World Bank expects this to reach 60% by 2030. In 2012, world farmed fish production topped beef production for the first time in modern history.

Let us focus on the EU for a moment. It is a fact that the EU is a big consumer but a poor producer of farmed fish. In the EU, 65% of the fish and seafood consumed is imported. So why are we not farming more of our own seafood? Why does the EU only account for less than 5% of global aquaculture production? Elsewhere, Aquaculture has impressive growth rates. An average of more than 6% per year across the world. Why has it been stagnating here in the Union? [Boosting EU aquaculture through better regulation] I have looked into the main issues that are mostly preventing the industry from really taking off. One of the main stumbling blocks for a new farmer entering the market is a load of unnecessary bureaucracy. Often he has to go through a maze of red tape. Not to mention how hard it is to find the physical space for a fish farm. We have asked each Member State to define a strategy and find ways to help aquaculture grow. And, I have to say that Governments have risen to the challenge. For instance some have come up with ways to streamline the licensing process. In some cases, even with online application procedures. Others are realising the positive effects of linking aquaculture investments with environmental, agriculture and tourism projects. For my part I intend to help with practical guidance on how EU legislation is interpreted, without lowering environmental standards. Starting this autumn, I will also bring national administrations together to exchange best practices on what really works on the ground. [Boosting EU aquaculture through informing the public] But that is only one side of the coin. We also need an informed public. A knowledgeable consumer who can make better choices. EU aquaculture has excellent environmental and consumer protection standards. But is the outstanding quality of our home grown produce really known to the public? Do they know how healthy and fresh and local it is? Sadly, I don’t think so. And this has to change. The EU's new labelling rules now allow us to read how and where the fishery product was

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produced. This will help us find and choose fresh, high quality EU aquaculture products. But we need to do more not only to reach out to consumers but also to teachers, pupils and chefs. So, I want to give a warm welcome to the pupils and teachers who are here with us today, for the final act of our “Farmed in the EU” campaign. You represent the three schools, which submitted the best projects in our competition. You learned a lot about aquaculture with the help of real farmers, many of whom are also present here today. Thank you all and congratulations for your work. As for us grown-ups, I have the pleasure to welcome here with us today one of my favourite personalities, Mr Gualtiero Marchesi. Gualtiero is not only a world-renowned chef, but also the director of a leading educational institution: ALMA, the international school for Italian cuisine. And as I’m sure he’ll agree, in today’s world it is important for our young chefs to be aware of both taste and production methods. It is important to favour products that are good not just for us but also for our environment and our economy. [Conclusion] In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, The seafood farmed in the EU is fresh, it’s tasty, it’s healthy. It meets the most stringent environmental and consumer protection standards. In one word and most importantly, it is sustainable. Whether you are a farmer, a consumer, a teacher, a student, a chef or a journalist, I ask you to share this knowledge around you. An informed choice is always a better choice. We have to ensure that it is possible to produce sufficient, good, healthy and sustainable food for all mankind – let us make certain that Europe also contributes to help address this challenge. Better fish for farms 21/05/2015 Tweaking breeding methods could allow European fish farming – or aquaculture – to produce more efficiently. An EU-funded project is studying how hi-tech breeding

techniques can promote disease resistance and fast, efficient growth in six commonly farmed fish species, improving fish welfare, impacts on wildlife and farm productivity. FISHBOOST is improving selective breeding for six species – Atlantic salmon, common carp, European seabass, gilthead seabream, rainbow trout and turbot – while taking stock of social and industry views on acceptability and costs. The EU-funded project involves no genetic modification, just a mixture of modern and traditional breeding methods. One year into the five-year project, researchers have already tested families of fish that could breed disease resistance, preventing rather than curing sickness. Next steps include identifying the DNA linked to disease-resistance in these families, and using new DNA-based methods to select individuals to become parents of the next generation. The team is also developing software that uses genetic data to help choose parent fish for improved stocks, while further research is identifying fish with traits for more efficient fillet-production. Improving industry “There is little breeding in European aquaculture and we want to make it better by improving ways to measure traits and develop more accurate selection methods,” says project coordinator Anna Sonesson from the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture research – Nofima. “All work is done in close collaboration between RTD and industry – this is essential for a project like FISHBOOST”, explains Sonesson. By working with industry and other stakeholders – including animal welfare groups – researchers intend to show how advanced selective breeding technology can improve the efficiency and sustainability of European aquaculture. Identifying fish through DNA can help strengthen traits that traditional selection methods find difficult to improve. The project’s work already shows that selective breeding can protect wild fish from diseases prevalent in farms and generally improve aquaculture fish health, while reducing costs for producers. The project is also identifying fish that best use feed – difficult to predict in fish, who feed irregularly and whose individual feed intake cannot easily be measured. Indirect selection methods are being developed to pinpoint

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families for this trait. Similarly, FISHBOOST is evaluating fish from the same populations for efficient fillet production, to produce muscle rather than fat to appeal to consumers, and for adaptation to new diets. Meeting demand According to EU data, aquaculture will soon produce more seafood than wild fisheries, due to a growing world demand for animal protein. With only 10% of the world’s aquaculture production using genetically improved stock – and large differences in practices within Europe – the fast-growing industry could benefit from blending traditional and new breeding methods. The project selects breeding fish that have the best gene variants of the populations they look at. “We are increasing our knowledge of the genetics behind the traits we want,” explains Sonesson. This involves studying DNA samples from thousands of fish, Sonesson explains. “In order to select parents, we must use a lot of families to ensure enough genetic variation.” As part of its hi-tech approach, FISHBOOST is developing DNA-based software to select breeding fish for new breeding programmes. Because fish produce many more offspring than land-based species, it is easier to select for particular traits. However, it is essential to control inbreeding to keep the fish population healthy – researchers are developing IT-based methods to do so that take account of the specific biology of the fish. The project team will make the software available for free. “We will also try to quantify the value of breeding to producers,” says Sonesson, while a report on social perceptions of aquaculture breeding addresses ethical considerations. Many of the project partners are part of the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATIP) and the Farm Animal Breeding and Reproduction Technology Platform (FABRE-TP). “Our aim is to boost the industry with efficient breeding programmes, whereby hi-tech tools and methods boost traditional approaches,” says Sonesson. “We are very happy with the start of FISHBOOST, and the work that has been done so far, which puts us on track with the project. We have a good basis for the coming work up to 2019.” Read article about this project in Horizon magazine

EU Fisheries and Aquaculture Markets Highlights - 04/2015 (21/05/2015) Now available in English, French and Spanish. Second amendment of the Fishing Opportunities Regulation fixing for 2015 the fishing opportunities in the North Sea and in the Atlantic (20/05/2015) On 20 May the European Commission announced a further proposal aimed at halting the decline of sea bass in the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, Channel and North Sea. The Commission’s proposal is the third of a series of proposals in relation to this stock this year. This proposal is addressed to the Council of Fisheries Ministers and will enable the ministers to decide about catch limits for particular fishing gears in order to protect sea bass. The Commission's proposal would also allow extending a prohibition, currently applied to Irish fishing vessels, to all Member State vessels in waters adjacent to Ireland. Sea bass is a high value, iconic species for recreational and commercial fishermen; we need to act to address the declining state of the stock, to protect jobs and livelihoods. If the EU does not act decisively now, the risk for greater and long term losses to this valuable fish stock and to coastal communities will be increasing. Scientific advice has clearly identified the need to drastically reduce catches of this species, following an increase in the fishing pressure and a reduction in reproduction. Previously the Commission has implemented a short term ban on pelagic trawling until 30th April, preventing the targeting of this species during spawning aggregations. A previous amendment of the fishing opportunities regulation has already introduced a 3 fish bag limit for recreational fishermen. This latest proposal envisages a maximum catch per month by gear type, limiting the targeting of the vulnerable stock but allowing for incidental catches.

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Ireland in the 1990’s introduced a ban on commercial fishing for its flag vessels. This prohibition is proposed to be extended to other Member States in the Waters adjacent to Ireland outside of the UK 12 nm limit by the latest. It is now up to the Council of Ministers to decide on the Commission's proposal. More information

Questions and answers

Infographic Protecting sea bass - Proposal on monthly catch limits and closed area (20/05/2015) A new infographic is on-line Consultation on an EU ecolabel for fishery & aquaculture products (20/05/2015) Deadline: 31 July 2015 A new consultation is on-line

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MEETINGS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCILS

RAC DATE PLACE TYPE Main issues

NSAC 08/06/2015 Copenhagen WG Skaggerak & Kattegat

SWWAC 09/06/2015 Santander GA and ExCom

NSAC 19/06/2015 Edinburgh ExCom

BSAC 02/07/2015 Copenhagen ExCom

NWWAC 07-09/06/2015 Edinburg WG ICES advice, Irish Sea, West of Scotland, West of Ireland and Celtic Sea, Channel

PELAC 08/07/2015 The Netherlands WG I and II

PELAC 09/07/2015 The Netherlands ExCom

NSAC 14/07/2015 Brussels WG Demersal

LDAC 16-17/09/2015 Las Palmas WG External Dimension of the CFP

NSAC 22-23/09/2015 Brussels GA and ExCom

PELAC 07/10/2015 Edinburgh (tbc) WG I and II

PELAC 08/10/2015 Edinburgh (tbc) GA and ExCom

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)

- MIRAC: ICES/RAC meeting

- GA: General Assembly, ExCom: Executive Committee, WG: Working Group, FG: Focus Group

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MAIN INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS AND EVENTS NORWAY/COASTAL STATES/NEAFC/RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Date Organisation Type of meeting

Venue

October 2015

01-02 PECMAS Meeting Multilateral London

tbc Coastal States Consultations on Redfish Multilateral tbc

tbc Coastal States Consultations on Blue Whiting and ASH Multilateral tbc tbc Coastal States Consultations on Mackerel Multilateral tbc November 2015

09-13 NEAFC annual meeting Multilateral London

tbc EU/Norway Annual Consultations round I Bilateral Norway

tbc EU/Norway Annual Consultations round II Bilateral tbc

REGIONAL FISHERIES ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

Date Organisation Type of meeting Venue

June 2015

22-24 ICCAT Meeting of Standing WG dedicated to the dialogue between scientists and managers (SWGSM) and the Working Group of Fishery Managers and Scientists in Support of the Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Stock Assessment (SMS_WBFT Dialogue)

Bilbao, Spain

tbd FAO COFI Bureau Meeting Rome

July 2015

13-17 Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)

WG By-catch, discards, selectivity & EAFF (Ecosystem Approach Framework to Fisheries)

Halifax, Canada

tbd ISBA Annual Meeting Jamaica

tbd FAO COFI Bureau Meeting Rome

August 2015

05-13 Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

11th Scientific Committee Pohnpei, FSM

September 2015

21-25 Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)

Annual Meeting Halifax, Canada

28-02 United Nations General Assembly

Oceans and Law of the Sea Resolution New York, USA

28/09-02/10 ICCAT Standing Committee on Research and Statistics

Madrid, Spain

October 2015

05-09 FAO Sub-Committee on Aquaculture Brazilia, Brazil

08-15 The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT)

Annual Meeting Yeosu, South Korea

08-09 FAO Anniversary ofthe Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

Vigo, Spain

2nd

week SPRFMO 3rd

Scientific Committee meeting Seville

19-21 OECD 116th Session COFI Paris, France

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19-23 Commission for the

Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

34th Meeting of the Scientific Committee Hobart, Australia

19-30 Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

Annual Meeting Hobart, Australia

23-28 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT)

17th WP on Tropical Tunas Montpellier, France

November 2015

10-16 United Nations General Assembly

Sustainable Fisheries Resolution New York, USA

18-24 United Nations General Assembly

Oceans and Law of the Sea Resolution New York, USA

09-16 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT)

Annual Meeting Malta

30/11-04/12 South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO)

12th Annual Meeting Namibia

December 2015

07-11 Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

Annual Meeting tbd

January 2016

21-29 SPRFMO SPRFMO-Annual Meeting and Scientific Committee Meeting

Valdivia, Chile

27

FISHERIES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

COUNTRY

EXPIRATION DATE OF CURRENT

PROTOCOL

JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING

NEGOTIATIONS

FORECAST 2015

SESSIONS

Date Location Date Location

MIX

ED

AG

RE

EM

EN

TS

Mauritania 15/12/2014 tbd tbd

Morocco 14/July 2018 September 2015 Brussels

Senegal 19/11/2019 1st Quarter 2016 Dakar

Guinea Bissau 23/11/2014

Greenland 31/12/2015

WE

ST

AF

RIC

A Cape-Verde 31/08/2014 March, 2016 Praia

Ivory Coast 30/06/2018 October 2015 Brussels

Gabon 23/07/2016 Q4 2015 tbd

Liberia No agreement/ protocol in force

2-5 June 2015 (tbd)

Monrovia

São Tomé and Principe

23/05/2018 September 2015 Brussels

IND

IAN

OC

EA

N

Comoros 31/12/2016 March 2015 tbd

Madagascar 31/12/2018 End of 2015 or most likely beginning of 2016

Brussels

Mauritius 27/01/2017 Spring 2016 Mauritius

Mozambique 31/01/2015 3rd quarter 2015 Maputo

Seychelles 17/01/2020 Extraordinary JCM June/July 2015

Victoria

Mayotte (Access agreement on access of Seychelles flagged vessels to the EU )

Kenya No Agreement/ Protocol

Tanzania No Agreement/ Protocol

July 2015 Tanzania

PA

CIF

IC

Kiribati 15/09/2015 4-8/05/2015 Nadi, Fiji

Cook Islands No Agreement/ Protocol in place yet

28

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES

BUREAU

Chair Mr Alain CADEC

1st Vice-Chair Ms Linnéa ENGSTROM 3rd Vice-Chair Mr Werner KUHN

2nd Vice-Chair Mr Jarosław Leszek WAŁĘSA 4th Vice-Chair Mrs Renata BRIANO

COORDINATORS

EPP MATO ADROVER Gabriel ECR VAN DALEN Peter

S&D RODUST Ulrike GUE/NGL FERREIRA João

ALDE MARINHO E PINTO António EFDD FINCH Raymond

Greens/EFA ENGSTROM LInnéa

COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES FULL MEMBERS

COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS

AFFRONTE Marco IT EFDD BILBAO BARANDICA Izaskun ES ALDE

AGUILERA GARCÍA Clara Eugenia ES S&D BLANCO LÓPEZ José ES S&D

BRIANO Renata IT S&D CHRISTENSEN Ole DK S&D

CADEC Alain FR EPP DUNCAN Ian GB ECR

COBURN David GB EFDD GIESEKE Jens DE EPP

CORBETT Richard GB S&D GODDYN Sylvie FR NI

DODDS Diane ENJ NI GRÓBARCZYK Marek Józef PL ECR

ENGSTROM Linnéa SE Greens/EFA HAZEKAMP Anja NL GUE/NGL

FERREIRA João PT GUE/NGL HEUBUCH Maria DE Greens/EFA

FINCH Raymond GB EFDD HOOKEM Mike GB EFDD

HUDGHTON Ian GB Greens/EFA JADOT Yannick FR Greens/EFA

ITURGAIZ Angulo ES EPP LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica ES EPP

KUHN Werner DE EPP MCAVAN Linda GB S&D

LE PEN Jean-Marie FR NI MILLÁN MON Francisco José ES EPP

MARINHO E PINTO António PT ALDE MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR Cláudia PT EPP

MATO ADROVER Gabriel ES EPP PAKSAS Rolandas LT EFDD

NI RIADA Liadh IE GUE/NGL PITTELLA Gianni IT S&D

NICOLAI Norica RO ALDE PLENKOVIĆ Andrej HR EPP

RODUST Ulrike DE S&D REBEGA Constantin-Laurențiu RO S&D

SERNAGIOTTO Remo IT EPP SASSOLI David-Maria IT S&D

SERRÃO SANTOS Ricardo PT S&D SCHREIJER-PIERIK Annie NL EPP

THOMAS Isabelle FR S&D SENRA RODRÍGUEZ María Lidia ES GUE/NGL

TOMAŠIĆ Ruža HR ECR TORVALDS Nils SV ALDE

VAN DALEN Peter NL ECR

WAŁĘSA Jarosław Leszek PL EPP

29

NEXT FISHERIES COMMITTEE MEETINGS

2015

Wednesday, 15 July, 9h00-12h30 Wednesday, 15 July, 15h00-18h30 Monday, 31 August, 15h00-18h30 Tuesday, 22 September, 15h00-18h30 Wednesday, 23 September, 9h00-12h30 Wednesday, 23 September, 15h00-18h30 Monday, 12 October, 15h00-18h30 Tuesday, 13 October, 9h00-12h30 Tuesday, 13 October, 15h00-18h30 Monday, 9 November, 15h00-18h30 Tuesday, 10 November, 9h00-12h30 Tuesday, 10 November, 15h00-18h30 Monday, 7 December, 15h00-18h30 Thursday, 10 December, 9h00-12h30 Tuesday, 22 December; 15h00-18h30