The European Commission is calling for greater flexibility in changing TACs (total allowable catch) annually to accelerate the recovery of exploited fish stocks.
In a consultation document released on Tuesday, the EC proposed a new approach to setting TACs in 2010; it’s accepting public comment on the document through 31 July.
For stocks with a low biomass level, the EC recommended that TACs be reduced by up to 20 percent a year, as long as fishing mortality does not increase. For stocks with a high biomass level, it proposed that TACs be increased by up to 25 percent a year. And when the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF) calls for no harvest, TACs should be reduced by at least 25 percent.
“The situation created by overfishing is serious, but multi-annual management plans are working, and some stocks are already showing signs of recovery,” said EC Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Joe Borg. “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.”
The EC said stock recovery has progressed slowly since the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was last reformed in 2002. According to the EC, more than 80 percent of EU stocks are overfished, compared to a global average of just 28 percent.
The release of the EC’s consultation document comes as Borg embarks on a week-long visit to Australia. Borg will meet with several Australian ministers to discuss numerous fishing-related subjects, including ways to prevent overfishing.
Tony Burke, minister of agriculture, fisheries and forestry; Simon Crean, minister of trade; and Peter Garrett, minister of the environment, heritage and the arts are among the Australian politicians Borg will meet.
