The fishing catch limits in the Atlantic and North Sea for 2018 have been set
The negotiations were based on the Commission's proposal for Total Allowable Catches (TAC), presented by Commissioner Karmenu Vella.
The agreement reached by the EU ministers will bring 53 catch limits (TACs) to Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels in 2018, 9 more than in 2017. In 2009, only 5 stocks had catches set at MSY.
"We are now more than half-way to the 2020 deadline to ensure that all stocks are fished sustainably. With today's agreement two-thirds of fish in the Atlantic and the North Sea will be subject to sustainable catch limits next year. I would like to pay particular tribute to our fishermen, who year by year undertake considerable efforts. Each year we move closer to our objective of sustainable fisheries and this will bring substantial long-term reward," the European Commissioner said.
The agreement on fishing opportunities is worth over €5 billion, benefiting more than 50,000 fishermen.
The European executive announced that it is for the first time at EU level when an agreement was reached to close eel fisheries for three months during their migration period.
Moreover, Member States committed to additional actions to protect the eels throughout its lifecycle and in all sea basins.
"These measures are crucial, both for the recovery of the stock and to safeguard the communities who depend on this fishery," the EC's statement read.
For sea bass, an improved package was agreed which should allow the stock to start recovering following years of decline. The package recognizes the responsibility of commercial and recreational fishermen alike.
The European Union is pursuing sustainable fisheries not only in home waters, but worldwide though bilateral partnership agreements and its work in international and regional fisheries management organizations. Sustainable fisheries were also among the key topics at the EU-hosted Our Ocean conference, 5-6 October 2017 in Malta, which generated important private sector engagements to advance sustainable seafood consumption.
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