Amendment to Regulation (EU) No 2023/2124 on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area
This regulation updates EU rules for fishing in the Mediterranean and Black Sea to align with new international recommendations from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). It aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect marine resources.
The rules affect EU fishing vessels operating in the GFCM area. Specific measures target the fishing of European eel, red coral, demersal stocks, blackspot seabream, and small pelagic fish like anchovy and sardine.
Key changes include stricter rules for European eel fishing, including a ban on recreational fishing and enhanced traceability. New management plans for red coral and demersal stocks are introduced, alongside fishing effort limitations for certain fleets. Joint inspection and surveillance schemes are established for better enforcement.
The regulation also introduces new requirements for catch documentation and traceability for red coral products. It aims to reduce delays in implementing GFCM recommendations and ensure a level playing field for EU operators.
Analysis
The GFCM Agreement provides a framework for cooperation on the conservation and management of living marine resources in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
What changes
- Amends Recital 1 to include consideration of best scientific advice and socioeconomic aspects in GFCM cooperation.
- Amends Recital 3 to emphasize the need for a level playing field for Union operators and strict transposition of GFCM recommendations.
- Inserts Article 12aa requiring Member States to transmit data on fishing activities and fattening to the Commission for transmission to the GFCM Secretariat.
Expected impact
- The proposal aims to ensure a level playing field for Union operators by strictly transposing GFCM recommendations into Union law.
- New provisions introduce data collection and transmission requirements for Member States regarding fishing activities and fattening to the GFCM.
- The proposal introduces specific management measures for European eel, including coherence with freshwater life cycle regulations.
Limitations
- The document is a legislative report and does not contain specific data on the economic or social impact of the proposed changes.
- The full text of the amended Regulation (EU) No 2023/2124 is not provided, limiting the analysis to the proposed amendments.
- Details regarding the 'GFCM research programme' mentioned in Amendment 36 are not elaborated within this document.
