Catch quotas have consistently been set at levels too high for the fish stocks to sustain, the European Commission noted as it released a consultation document outlining its views on how to set fishing possibilities in EU waters for 2010.
In a press release, the Commission points out that slow progress has been made in stock recovery since the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. As a result, more than 80 per cent of EU stocks are now overfished, compared with a global average of 28 per cent.
On the other hand, the Commission said, several long-term plans have been implemented successfully, generating signs of stock recovery. The Commission is therefore proposing greater flexibility in changing TACs from year to year, to enable more effective recovery measures for overexploited stocks.
“The situation created by overfishing is serious, but multi-annual management plans are working, and some stocks are already showing signs of recovery”, Commissioner Joe Borg said. “This means that the long-term approach is the way to go and that good management always works. I am committed to a sound approach to fisheries, based on long-term planning, scientific advice and dialogue with the sector – and capable of restoring the productivity of our oceans and seas.”
Member States and stakeholders are invited to present their views on the Commission’s approach by 31 July. The Commission will then make formal proposals in the autumn, during the Swedish EU Presidency, to be adopted by Council before the end of the year.