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The Polish World Water Day - Baltic Day will raise awareness about the importance of water resources, rivers and the Baltic Sea

The Polish NGO Klub Gaja, in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Heritage of Upper Silesia and Mr. Stanislaw Rozycki, a local environmental consultant, has planned a series of educational workshops to celebrate World Water Day - Baltic Day in Raciborz, southern Poland on 22 March.

Attempt to strengthen collaboration between Sweden and Denmark in order to create sustainable fisheries

On 10 March the Swedish and Danish Ministers of Fisheries, Eskil Erlandsson and Eva Kjer Hansen met to discuss collective actions in order to safeguard the Kattegat cod stocks. Within a year the cod fisheries can be temporarily closed during the spawning season.

Community financial contribution of Member States fisheries control programmes

Too much community funding towards Member States fisheries control programmes is spent on hard investments such as the purchase of aircrafts and vessels, rather than for training and recruitment of control staff according to the EU Commission.

Illegal fishing promts Polish NGO to investigate practices

News coverage in Poland in January shows that misreporting and overfishing continues despite last year’s clamp down by the EU. While the Polish Government is striving to implement tougher fishery inspection standards, new cases of severe underreporting of catches were seen in Polish ports. The fishing sector and inspectorates will come under additional scrutiny this year from the Polish Green Federation Gaja setting out to map practices and inform the public.

Swedish municipalities and consumers refuse consumption of cod in order to save the threatened species

Swedish private consumers as well as municipalities have decided to stop buying cod. A recent survey reveals that out of 1000 persons asked, one third does not buy cod at all.

Swedish environmental NGOs delivered protest list to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries

Today the environmental NGOs Greenpeace, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and WWF left a protest list to the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Eskil Erlandsson, containing 15000 signatures against the cod fishing in the Kattegat. The call is a protest against the EU cod quotas for the Kattegat hammered out in the December EU Council.

Sweden introduces new law to combat illegal fishing

From 1 July fisheries officers from the Swedish Board of fisheries will be able to directly hand out fines and withdraw fishing licences from fishermen misreporting their catches, or not handling their log books correctly. The action is another step towards improving fish stocks, says the Swedish government in a recent Press Release.

“Europe is having its fish and eating it too”

In a new series of articles on the relationship between Europe’s demand for fish and the world’s supply, the New York Times links EU fisheries agreements to increased illegal immigration. Trying their luck, either transporting immigrants or paying to be shipped themselves, may be the only solution that remains when there is no fish left in the sea, argues fishermen from West Africa.

NGO response to proposals to protect sharks and deep sea ecosystems

Last year, the European Commission came forward with a proposal to protect vulnerable ecosystems in the high seas from bottom-trawling as well as a consultation paper on a Community Plan of Action for Sharks. According to European environmental organisations, both are steps in the right direction but do not go far enough to create effective protection for vulnerable ecosystems and species.

The Swedish Board of Fisheries suggests 50% down sizing of the Swedish fishing fleet

In the Sunday issue of Sweden’s major daily news paper “Dagens Nyheter”, the General Director of the Swedish board of fisheries, Axel Wenblad, along with his colleagues Johan Löwenander-Davidsson and Bengt Strömblom, suggest national actions such as downsizing of the fishing fleet and stronger control efforts in order to recover dwindling fish stocks.

No Christmas for fish in the sea

At the end of this year’s negotiations on fishing possibilities for 2008, Scottish fish processor may be jubilant but environmental NGOs and the public are not. In Sweden, people are signing a petition to save the cod in Kattegat. While writing this article, another 289 people added their names to the list.

1. Short-term interests prevail again
2. Public demands cod closure in Kattegat

Sweden sets aside part of cod quota for coastal vessels

The Swedish Board of Fisheries recently decided on a national management plan for Baltic Sea cod. A main component is the allocation of a part of the quota for each of the Baltic stocks to the coastal fishing vessels using nets rather than trawls.

Pope calls for greater care for the environment

In a recent message to the public celebrating the world day of peace on 1 January 2008, Pope Benedict XVI calls for environmental consciousness. Can the Vatican’s interest in sustainable development lead to better management of European fish stocks?

Greenpeace blocked EU council building

Yesterday, in a protest against the failures of the Fisheries Council, Greenpeace blocked the entrance of the EU building where the EU ministers of agriculture and fisheries were to have their two-day meeting negotiating 2008 fishing quotas in EU waters, the Baltic Sea excepted.

Alarming report on Kattegat cod stocks

Unless action is taken, the cod in the Kattegat will vanish completely, according to the Marine Laboratory in Lysekil, Sweden. Multiple surveys performed by the laboratory during this year have not discovered any new cod recruits.

New Polish Government keen to collaborate with the EU

After the October elections, a coalition government is now in power in Poland. Contrary to the previous leaders, the new government will promote a better relationship with the EU. For example, closer collaboration on environmental issues, such as the designation of Natura 2000 areas, renewable energy sources and water management initiatives, can be expected.

Damning European Court of Auditors report on CFP and control

Unreliable catch data, inspections of limited effectiveness, systems for following up infringements and imposing sanctions that are often inappropriate, in a context of overcapacity jeopardising compliance with the rules, are identified as the causes of the failure of the Common Fisheries Policy to maintain the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources.

Cuts dominate 2008 quota proposals

Yesterday, the European Commission published its proposals for EU fishing opportunities in 2008. The proposal provides grim reading for sector representatives and reflects the general state of EU fish stocks, with around 80 per cent being overfished.

1. EU fish stocks in a poor state
2. Improvements or business as usual?

Polish fishermen protest in Brussels

Yesterday, a group of Polish fishermen staged another protest in Brussels against the European Commission ban of their cod fishing in the eastern Baltic Sea. The previous Polish Government tried to negotiate with the Commission in order to lift the ban, but finally agreed at the Council meeting in October to obey and implement an action plan for improved control and compliance.

Eko Unia seminar on the Polish Operational Programme for the fisheries sector reveals challenges

On 26 October Radek Gawlik of the Polish environmental NGO Eko Unia, gathered stakeholders to discuss the Polish Operational Programme (OP) for the fisheries sector, which specifies how Poland will spend its allocated funding from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) for the period of 2007-2013.

Baltic Sea Action Plan adopted

On November 15, a Baltic Sea Action Plan to improve the environmental status of the Baltic Sea was finally adopted at a HELCOM ministerial meeting in Krakow, Poland. Despite progress in some areas, such as eutrophication, the plan is judged by many to be a failure.

BS RAC makes statement on compliance and sustainability of Baltic cod

On 25 October, the BS RAC met to discuss the situation of the Baltic cod fishery and the recent closures. The meeting resulted in a statement on the issue of non-compliance, highlighting the need for rapid action, as well as a more harmonised and harsher system for punishing those that break the law.

Polish change of Government – good for the environment?

Many claim the Polish election this year to be one of the most dramatic since the end of Communism in 1989. There was – by Polish standards – a very high voter turnout at about 55 per cent.

Damning report on EU fisheries policy

A review commissioned by DG Fisheries & Maritime Affairs assessing the performance of the Common Fisheries Policy has been leaked. The report highlights the lack of political will in the Council to put national interests aside and the resulting poor state of EU fish stocks.

EU Ministers decide on Baltic quotas

Earlier this evening, a compromise was struck on next year’s quotas for the Baltic Sea. In 2008 there will be reduced catches of cod, but not enough to give real respite for the overfished eastern stock. Salmon quotas are unchanged despite warnings of very low smolt survival in the north. On a more positive note, Ministers agreed on a resolution to tackle the high levels of illegal fishing through improved control and enforcement.

EU proposal to protect high seas ecosystems

Last week, the European Commission released a proposal to protect vulnerable ecosystems in the high seas. Following the EU position at UN General Assembly negotiations on the prohibition of deep-sea bottom-trawling on the high seas, the Commission now proposes to give Member States the responsibility to assess vulnerability and fishing plans when issuing fishing licenses for areas of the high seas not under any sort of regional management.

NGOs meet with Polish Minister on cod

At a meeting in Warsaw yesterday, WWF-Poland and Greenpeace Poland discussed Polish plans for Baltic cod with Marek Gróbarczyk, the Minister of Maritime Economy, and his Vice-Minister Grzegorz Ha³ubek. It is clear that Poland’s current Government wants to go its own way and change the entire management system.

EU Ministers to decide on Baltic fish quotas and management

Next week, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the EU will attempt a decision on next years fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea. The Commission proposal contains a mixed bag, dominated by cuts in quotas. Cod is likely to be the main focus – again.

Polish fishermen divided over cod fishing ban

The Association of Fishermen of the Sea-Organization of Producers (AFS-OP), in a written statement, appealed to all Polish fishermen on October 2 to respect the European Union ban on fishing cod in the Eastern Baltic and to stay in ports.

European Union cracks down on illegal fisheries in Europe

EU is starting to show a responsible and consequent approach to fisheries management. The cod struggle in Poland is only one example of EU crackdown on illegal fishing. Seven other European Union Member states are facing bluefin tuna catch ban until the end of 2007 in addition to possible penalties for excessive exploitation and misreporting of bluefin tuna catches in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

For Cod’s Sake?

The cod war in Poland is heated and the Polish government continues attempts to convince the European Commission that there is plenty of cod in the sea. Starting in October, counts of cod stocks in the Baltic will begin at the request of the Polish Fisheries Minister, Marek Gróbarczyk.

Polish Deputy Director of the Sea Fisheries Institute (MIR), Dr Karnicki, resigns in protest against the Polish government

After pressure from the Polish Ministry of Maritime Economy on the Polish scientific community to present results indicating that “there is plenty of cod in the sea”, science and deputy director of MIR, PhD Zbigniew Karnicki, resigns from his duties in protest against the Polish government.

Polish Fishermen break the EU Commission ban on cod fishing

Last Friday Polish fishermen broke the law by opposing the EU Commission ban on cod trawling in the Eastern Baltic.

Poland tries to convince the EU Commission to lift ban on cod trawling

As a response to the EU ban on cod trawling in the Eastern Baltic Sea, Polish fishermen staged a determined protest on Monday, 17 September.

1. Polish fishermen ready to start fishing for cod
2. Severe EU sanctions

Give Baltic Cod a Chance!

Today seven Polish NGOs forwarded a joint position on cod fishing in the Baltic Sea. The position is addressed at Polish officials and fishermen, referring to the threat imposed by Polish fishermen to oppose the EU Commission ban on Polish cod fishing in the Eastern Baltic on 15 September when the summer closure ends.

Polish NGOs strengthen work on Baltic fisheries and marine environment

On the 28-29 of August FISH arranged a workshop together with the Polish NGOs Eko Unia and Klub Gaja. The workshop gathered NGO:s from all over Poland, as well as from Sweden and Finland.

NGO STRATEGIC WORKSHOP - NGO WORK WITH FISHERIES IN THE BALTIC SEA

FISH is organising a workshop together with the Polish NGOs Klub GAJA and Eko Unia. The workshop will take part during 28-29 August at the marine research station in Hel peninsula, Poland.

New fisheries minister in Poland

Earlier this week Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski fired ministers from the ruling Law & Justice's (PiS) coalition partners, Samoobrona and the League of Polish Families (LPR), among them the Fisheries Minister Rafal Wiechecki.

Poland opposes EU Commission order to halt trawling for cod

The Polish Fisheries Minister Rafal Wiechecki recommends the Polish government to take the European Commission to the European court of justice, after it ordered Poland to halt trawling for cod in the eastern Baltic Sea.

European Commission wants to see higher fines for violation of EU fishing laws

Yesterday The European Commission announced that fishermen should face higher fines for infringements of fisheries rules under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). At present the violators are being punished to lightly in most EU member states, the Commission said.

European Commission adopts hazardous subsidy regime

Joint comment by BirdLife International, the Fisheries Secretariat, Seas At Risk, the North Sea Foundation, Oceana and WWF on the adoption of the regulation on “de minimis” aid for the fishing sector by the European Commission.

Poland misreports catch figures for cod in the eastern Baltic Sea

On Monday the European Commission ordered Polish fishermen to stop trawling for cod in the eastern Baltic Sea. According to the commission, Poland has misreported its catch and exceeded its quota for 2007.

Environmental NGOs oppose proposed de minimis regulation

By the end of July the European Commission intends to adopt a regulation on de minimis aid in the fisheries sector. While allegedly intended to cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy, the proposed regulation would allow EU fishing enterprises to receive significant and potentially harmful subsidies.

Stricter control of eel trade ahead

Last week, the European Council agreed on joint management measures for European eel; now the world is also offering further protection through stricter regulation of international trade.

EU decision on Baltic cod puts focus on illegal fishing

This morning, EU Fisheries Ministers agreed on a long-term management plan for Baltic Sea cod. This is a welcome development, but the state of the cod stocks calls for stronger measures.

Management Plan for eel finally agreed

With only a few per cent left of the European eel population, EU Ministers finally agreed on a joint management plan today.

Eel is the hot topic all around

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has been drawing attention to the serious state of eel stocks for almost ten years and calling for measures to improve the situation, but without major effect. This week a listing of eel under CITES Appendix II is being negotiated and next week the European Council is likely to decide on a long-term management plan.

Sargasso eels still elusive

The Danish Galathea 3 expedition spent nine days fishing for eels in the Sargasso Sea, hoping to solve the mystery of their reproduction. But the mystery remains. The area is like a biological desert according to ICES scientist Henrik Sparholt.

FAO to develop aquaculture certification guidelines

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Friday it is working with certification bodies, producer groups, processors and consumer organizations to draft guidelines on how aquaculture certifications should be established and applied.

Still no decision on the European Eel

No decision on the proposed Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel (COM(2005)472) was made at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 16-17 April in Luxembourg.

Commission proposes ban on discard

On 28 March, the European Commission adopted a communication on reducing unwanted catches and eliminating discards in European fisheries.

Press release from the BS RAC regarding the Conference on Control and Compliance, 28-29 March 2007

The Baltic Sea RAC concludes that the two-day conference on Control and Compliance in Copenhagen was successful, and among other things made Baltic sea Fisheries ministers commit to combat IUU fishing.

New report on IUU fishing of Baltic Sea cod

Today FISH published a report on IUU fishing of Baltic Sea cod.

BS RAC Conference on Control and Compliance in the Baltic

A wide range of stakeholders are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss ways of dealing with illegal fishing in the Baltic Sea. The first day of the conference was set aside to discuss different perspectives on the problem, the drivers behind it, its consequences and possible steps forward.

Conference on eel, European parlament 22-23 March

The Fisheries Secretariat arranged a two-day conference on the need for joint efforts to save the European eel population.

Nations in agreement over the need to strengthen landing control to combat IUU

FAO today reported that a large number of nations participating at the 27 FAO COFI – meeting in Rome 5 - 9 March, agreed to start working on an international protocol with the purpose of creating binding control measures in landing harbours, or harbours where fish products are redistributed or processed, in order to combat IUU fishing.

Morocco ratifies Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the EU

Morocco ratified a Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) on 6 March with the EU. The former fisheries agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco expired in 1999.

FAO report: Serious concern over situation of high-seas fish species

Rome, 5 March. Although the proportion of the world’s marine fish stocks rated by FAO as overexploited or depleted has remained stable over the past 15 years, the status of certain highly migratory and high-seas species is cause for serious concern, a new report from the UN agency warned today. The report is presented at the FAO COFI meeting in Rome.

Illegal Baltic cod fishing a severe problem

An unpublished Commission evaluation of the Baltic Member States fisheries control points out Poland as the main culprit, but with severe problems in Sweden, Lithuania, Germany, Denmark and Latvia. The results are alarming, confirming the picture ICES already has pointed out, that illegal landings of cod is a major problem in the Baltic Sea.

Commission review of EC deep-water fisheries fails to deliver actions

The Commission published last week a highly critical review of deep-water fisheries management. Appropriate recommendations for actions are missing, as the review is only pointing out the need for improved monitoring, control and data collection. The review concludes that reductions of the current levels of exploitation are inevitable. A much needed step is restricting licenses to those deep-water fisheries that are shown to be sustainable.

Conference on Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund, Seville, Spain 25 – 27 Jan 2007

The European Commission organised a three day conference on the implementation of Priority Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) – Sustainable Development of Fisheries Regions. The conference built on two previous events; in Tallin 2005, and Porto 2006. The conference had about 60 participants, mostly representing EU member states and regional authorities.

US president Bush on Friday signed legislation aimed at preventing overfishing in US waters

From 2010 commercial fisheries in the US will have to set conservation plans within a two-year period. A 10-year permit system will be set, which would still allow some limited access in overfished waters.

U.N. Lifts Ban on Caviar Exports from the Caspian Sea

On Tuesday the United Nations lifted a year-old embargo on exports of most types of caviar from the Caspian Sea, which is the main source of the delicacy, regardless of the fact that Sturgeon stocks are continuing to decline.

December Council decision on 2007 fishing levels: Too little, too late

Brussels, Belgium. European Union fisheries ministers agreed after difficulty on fishing levels for 2007, still ignoring scientific advice by setting levels so high that recovery of depleted stocks are at risk.

Environment Ministers fail to adopt a strong Marine Strategy Directive

Comment on the Council agreement on the Marine Strategy Directive (Environment Council 18th December 2006)

Exceptional commercial fishermen receive conservation award

MARATHON, Florida - December 12 - The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) presented the third annual Gladding Memorial Award for commercial fishing conservation leadership to Mr. Carlton Young of Placencia, Belize and Mr. Ceylon Clayton of Little Bay, Jamaica, during its 59th Annual Meeting in November in Belize City, Belize.

Proposal for secure funding for the RACs

Today,the European Commission further acknowledged the important contribution of the recently established Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) to the application of the Common Fisheries Policy by proposing to increase the amount of EU financial support that they currently receive.

Iceland blocks protection for deep sea biodiversity

Iceland blocked consensus for swift action to curtail the destruction of high seas ecosystems at the United Nations in New York. After it was clear that a moratorium for deep sea bottom trawling could not be reached, UN fisheries negotiators tried to find a compromise. They were looking at text which would have offered immediate protection for vulnerable areas in the absence of agreement on a global moratorium on high seas bottom trawling. Even this compromise was derailed by Iceland.

Deep-sea stocks still at risk after divided Council decision

In spite of scientific advice from ICES that deep water fish such as orange roughy, blue ling and deep water shark fisheries should be closed immediately, EU Ministers in the Council agreed on 21 November on relatively modest reductions in TACs (Total Allowable Catches) for 2007 and 2008, aiming at a final phase-out by 2010/11.

North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission fails to sufficiently protect deep-sea stocks and biodiversity

NEAFC, the intergovernmental commission responsible for managing deep-water fishing in the North East Atlantic, made some progress on improving the protection of deep-water fish and corals last week. However it failed to deliver some much needed tougher decisions to protect deep-sea biodiversity.

New Report on the impacts of Deep Sea Bottom Trawling on Seamounts to be presented at the UN General Assembly this Friday

On Wednesday scientists warned that deep-sea bottom trawling is destroying seamounts teeming with marine life, causing irreparable damage to ecosystems. The report will be presented at the UN General Assembly on Friday where negotiations will resume on the issue of a high seas bottom trawling moratorium.

MSC decides not to take on farmed seafood

According to The Wave Newsletter, the Board of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has decided not to expand the current MSC ecolabel to include farmed seafood.

European Parliament votes in favour of greater protection for Europe’s seas

Joint comment by Greenpeace , BirdLife International, the European Environment Bureau, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Fisheries Secretariat, Seas At Risk and WWF on the European Parliament Plenary Vote on the Marine Strategy Directive:

Baltic Anglers: Restore the Baltic Sea and recognize angling interests now!

November 7, angling representatives from the Baltic countries met in Visby, Sweden. The meeting agreed on the joint statement: "The Baltic Sea in focus".

Science report on the Ecosystem Effects of Fishing

According to a report published in the current edition of Science, there is a risk of collapse of the world’s seafood populations by 2048 if current trends in destruction and overfishing continue.

Baltic TACs and quotas for 2007: Cod stocks at risk of depletion

The Council decided on the 24th October on the levels of TACs (Total Allowable Catch), the level of agreed fishing in the Baltic for 2007. The decision is a 10% reduction of the TAC for the eastern Cod stock (from 45 339 in 2006 to 40 805 tonnes in 2007) and a 5% reduction of the western stock (from 28 400 in 2006 to 26 696 tonnes in 2007).

Baltic Sea RAC to arrange a conference on IUU in late March

The Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council (RAC) is planning a conference on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Copenhagen in March 2007. The focus of the conference is to identify the actions needed to minimize IUU in the Baltic Sea.

Scientists proposes to close all cod fisheries south of Iceland except for the western Baltic stock

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) released a report on October 20 on the status and perspectives of some of the most important Northeast Atlantic fish stocks.

EU Commission Statement on High Seas bottom trawling too weak

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), of which the Fisheries Secretariat is a member, accused the European Commission of greenwashing a set of proposals designed to undermine the growing support for a high seas moratorium on bottom trawling, and noted that it did not seem to reflect the will of all EU Member States. This approach puts the US and President Bush in a more progressive position than the European Commission.

Successful workshop on the EFF

NGO's from a wide range of Member States were represented at the workshop "Implementing the European Fisheries Fund - Opportunities at Member State level".

Workshop - Implementing the EFF - Opportunities at Member State level

WWF, FISH, and BirdLife International will host a workshop on the implementation of the EFF and the opportunities for NGO's to influence the fund at the Member State Level.

NGO's call on governments to oppose the proposed de minimis regulation

In June, the European Commission proposed to decouple the de minimis aid in the fisheries sector from that in the agricultural sector and to increase it tenfold. Under the new regulation, up to € 30.000 of state aid would not need to be notified to the European Commission if given to an enterprise over a three-year period. Importantly, this aid could be used to finance operating costs of fishing vessels that may result in an increase in fishing effort.

The European Commission's multi-annual plan for the Cod stocks and fisheries in the Baltic Sea

On 24 July the European Commission published its proposal for a Council Regulation to establish a multi-annual plan for the Baltic Sea cod stocks and their fisheries.

The European Commission publish their 5th Annual Report on Serious Infringements

On 14 July 2006, the European Commission published their 5th annual report on serious infringements to the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

1. Difficult to compare Member States
2. Low levels of sanctions

The European Commission advocate fisheries management based on Maximum Sustainable Yield

“…it is time to manage European fisheries in a different way, looking for success rather than to seek merely to avoid failure”, these words are used in the introduction of the European Commission’s Communication on, “Implementing sustainability in EU fisheries through maximum sustainable yield”, published on the 5th July 2006.

1. Maximum Sustainable Yield
2. Comment

European Fisheries Fund - adopted 19 June

On Monday 19 June, EU Fisheries Ministers finally agreed on the new European Fisheries Fund (EFF) at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. EUR 3.8 billion will be set aside to provide support for the fisheries sector.

EU Maritime Green Paper focus on economic growth

On June 7th the Commission published a Green Paper named "Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union: A European vision for the oceans and seas". The aim is to boost economic growth in maritime sectors in accordance with the Lisbon Strategy while protecting the marine environment. Environmental groups are skeptical, saying the focus is too growth-oriented. One year of consultation with EU's citizens will follow.

1. Focus on economic growth
2. Our opinion

European Fisheries Fund - EU Council meeting 22 May

The highly debated European Fisheries Fund (EFF) was on the agenda again at the 22 May European Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. However, the 25 Member States were unable to agree on how to spend the €3.8 Billion. The major sticking point was whether or not to make EFF eligible for vessel modernisation. The issue will therefore need to be resolved during the 6 month Finnish EU Presidency, which begins July 1st.

1. EFF - proposal
2. Compromise

New EU - Morocco fisheries agreement in breach of international law

The European fisheries ministers concluded a fisheries partnership agreement at the Council meeting May 22nd. The agreement provides for the EU to pay Morocco €144.4 million under four years in return for giving 119 European vessels (100 Spanish, 14 Portuguese, 4 French and 1 Italian) opportunities to fish in Morocco's Atlantic coastal waters, including the disputed territory of Western Sahara, the former Spanish colony that was invaded by Moroccan forces in 1975.

1. No benefit for the people of Western Sahara
2. Subsidies and joint ventures

Baltic Sea to become pilot area for EU marine efforts

Environmental Ministers take first steps to make the Baltic Sea a pilot area for implementation of the EU Marine strategy.

Forum on the New European Maritime Policy: a wake-up call to stakeholders?

Conference in Brussels to discuss the developing European Maritime Policy leaves little doubt that maritime stakeholders are not always treated equally.

Baltic Environment Ministers meet to discuss future actions

Later this week Baltic Environmental Ministers will meet to discuss the future of our shared sea. Lena Sommestad has consulted Swedish NGOs on priority areas for action.

Baltic Sea RAC prepares its formal establishment

In late October, the interim Executive Committee of the Baltic Sea RAC met to discuss issues related to its formal establishment.

Swedish seminar on Individual Fishing Rights

On 9 November, the Swedish Institute for Food and Agricultural Economics (SLI) in Lund hosted a seminar to discuss different management options for Swedish fisheries, with a focus on individual fishing rights and quotas. It was aimed at an audience concerned with fisheries management in Sweden, but presentations were given by Swedish as well as international experts.

1. Seminar hosted by SLI
2. Presentations

North Sea Regional Advisory Council: a model 1st year?

The North Sea Regional Advisory Council (NS RAC) held its second General Assembly in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 20, marking a busy and successful year.

Nordic & Baltic Perspectives on the European Marine Strategy

Frustration expressed at failure to build new EU Marine Strategy and Framework Directive on past and ongoing efforts and concepts at recent Copenhagen workshop.

EU eel management seminar

On 20 October 2005, the Fisheries Secretariat, the Swedish Board of Fisheries and the Swedish Fishermen's Federation hosted a seminar about the problems facing the eel stock, its management and eel fisheries. The seminar was held at the Observatory Museum in Stockholm, Sweden.

Hearing on Fisheries Partnership Agreements disappointed

A recent EU Parliament hearing on Fisheries Partnership Agreement was disappointing from a sustainability perspective.

Nordic conference on environmental effects on fish stocks

Calls for more efforts to mitigate a range of environmental effects on marine resources as well as new studies made at Nordic conference.

ICES on new course to address conservation challenges

Participants at ICES Annual Conference hear about the EU’s new agenda, reactions from the fishing sector, as well as scientific progress in a number of important areas.

NAFO heads for reform

At this year’s annual meeting of NAFO a working group was established to come up with suggestions to reform the organisation, making it more fit to deal with integrated oceans management.

A New Way to Manage North Sea Fisheries

A plan to manage North Sea fisheries as a whole ecosystem and encourage greater stakeholder participation was unveiled at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) science conference in Aberdeen, 20-24 September.

Summit explores African fish supply crisis

African leaders, development organizations and fisheries experts are meeting in Nigeria this week to discuss the importance of fisheries and aquaculture for Africa's development and explore ways of improving fish supplies.

Steady stream of interest in MSC certification

Despite controversy over some high profile fisheries, the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) environmental standard for sustainable fisheries has seen a steady flow of interest in the past few years and plans to extend its global reach.

1. Steady stream of interest in MSC certification
2. Further information

Commission delays draft Marine Directive

As part of a wider EU Marine Strategy, a proposal for a directive to protect the marine environment has been prepared by DG Environment and was discussed by the Commission in June.

First meeting to establish a Baltic Sea RAC

On June 22, interested stakeholders met for the first time to discuss the establishment of a Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council (RAC).

Closure of North Sea sandeel fishery expected

The European Commission is expected to announce the closure of the North Sea sandeel fishery this month.

UNICPOLOS fails to recommend a moratorium on bottom trawling

The United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) again failed to recommend a moratorium on bottom trawling at their sixth meeting, held in New York, 6-11 June.

Removing cod has major repercussions for marine ecosystems

The collapse of cod stocks in the northwest Atlantic during the 1980s and 1990s has had a major impact on the entire ecosystem of the Scotian Shelf, off Nova Scotia in Canada.

Fisk är gott och nyttigt

Fisk är gott och nyttigt har man nyligen kommit fram till...

First proposal for Marine Bill to be discussed in the UK

A draft Marine Bill is to be discussed in the new session of the UK Parliament, which opened on 17 May. Environmental groups have welcomed the move and are urging the government to press ahead so that a full bill can be introduced quickly.

North Sea fish moving to colder waters

A study of demersal fish species in the North Sea over a 25 year period has shown that most fish are moving deeper and further north to escape rising sea temperatures.

North Sea RAC discuss spatial planning

This week, the North Sea Regional Advisory Council (NSRAC) Spatial Planning Working Group held its first meeting in London.

Polish stakeholders discuss sustainable fisheries

On 10-11 May, a range of Polish stakeholders interested in Baltic Sea fisheries management came together in Gdynia to discuss sustainability.

Swedish Fishermen's Federation elect new Chairman

On 28 April, the Swedish Fishermen's Federation elected Henrik Svenberg to be their new Chairman.

Training offered to avoid albatross bycatch

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has launched a new initiative to combat bycatch of albatrosses and other seabirds in global longline fisheries.

Fishermen help identify future research into their fishery

Marine scientists and fishermen rarely agree on the status of fish stocks and the science behind it. In a recent project, ESRC set out to find ways to improve cooperation.

COFI adopts ecolabelling guideline

The FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) adopted international guidelines on the ecolabelling of marine fisheries products, aimed at promoting sustainable and ecologically responsible fisheries, at their meeting in Rome, 7-11 March.

Tsunami victims, deepsea fisheries and MPAs discussed at COFI

The FAO's Committee on Fisheries met in Rome to discuss pressing issues, including progress towards responsible fisheries, deep sea fisheries and rehabilitating fisheries affected by the December tsunami.

EU Fisheries Council give go-ahead to new Fisheries Control Agency

When EU Fisheries and Agricultural Ministers met on 26 April, a regulation to set up the new EU Fisheries Control Agency was adopted.

Fisheries managers failing to protect marine wildlife

In a recent study BirdLife International reports that Regional Fisheries Management Organisations are largely failing in their obligation to reduce seabird bycatch.

Stakeholder conference on European Marine Strategy

A conference in Rotterdam on 10-11 November 2004 marked the end of the stakeholder consultation process on the development of a European Marine Strategy.

Conference on sustainable EU fisheries

On 8-9 November, the Fisheries Secretariat and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) held a conference in the European Parliament on Sustainable EU fisheries - facing the environmental challenges.

New Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

The new European Commissioner for Fisheries is likely to be Dr Joe Borg from Malta, a previous Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to himself, he is committed to promoting sustainable fisheries as well as improving the living conditions of fishing communities.

New EU Parliament in place after elections

After the elections in all EU Member States in June, the new European Parliament opened again in July. The new Chair of the Committee on Fisheries is Philippe Morillon from France, a member of the ALDE group.

Review of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy

The EU Sustainable Development Strategy, adopted by the Heads of State in Gothenburg in 2001, will be reviewed by the new Commission. The review will assess where the strategy has worked and where it has not, as well as what needs to be done in order to achieve further progress towards long-term sustainable development.

Marine focus at Flora- & Fauna Conference

The theme for 2004 was the Swedish environmental quality objectives, with a special focus on the objectives for the marine environment and for forests.

1. Marine focus at Flora- & Fauna Conference
2. Status of marine species

Special protection awarded to the Baltic Sea

On 2 April, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting decided to designate the Baltic Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).

Fisheries Council agree on measures to minimise bycatch of dolphins

On 22-23 March, the EU Fisheries Ministers agreed on a range of measures to minimise bycatch of dolphins and harbour porpoises in fisheries around Europe.

UK Strategy unit report on Fisheries

The report proposes a possible long-term strategy for creating a more competitive and profitable UK fleet...

International Secretariat for sustainable fisheries opens in Stockholm

Today, a new non-profit organisation committed to work towards more sustainable fisheries is officially launched by the Swedish Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries. The Stockholm-based Fisheries Secretariat is hoping to change fisheries policy in the EU and internationally through co-operation, information and lobbying. It has a particular mission to support and help other organisations, as well as the public, with information and knowledge.