BRIEF ANALYZE OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION 2008 FISHING OPTIMIZATION POSSIBILITIES – LEGISLATION GUIDE

Abstract

The European Commission on 28 November 2007 tabled its annual proposal on
fishing possibilities and attendant measures for 2008. This proposal takes account of
the latest independent scientific advice on the state of fish stocks received in October
from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the
Commission’s own Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries
(STECF), and input from stakeholders. It also applies the approach already outlined
in the Commission's Policy Statement, which was published in June, and has since
been the subject of consultations with stakeholders (IP/07/773). The Commission
views fisheries management as a long-term process based on the analysis of longterm trends in the health of fish stocks. As this year's policy statement made clear,
there is still a long way to go if we are to achieve the aims of the Common Fisheries
Policy, namely fisheries which are sustainable for the long-term in economic, social
and biological terms. The Commission is therefore proposing further cuts in effort
and/or Total Allowable Catches (TACs) in a number of fisheries, while generally
respecting the rule that inter-annual variations should be limited to 15% increase or
decrease, so as to provide a degree of stability for stakeholders. However, in a
number of cases, scientists have warned that the situation is sufficiently urgent that
even larger cuts in fishing opportunities are required.