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Fishing outside the European Union: The external dimension of the common fisheries policy
The external dimension of the EU's common fisheries policy provides a framework for the activities of EU vessels fishing beyond European waters and is structured around two types of arrangement: multilateral agreements for fishing on the high seas, and bilateral agreements with third countries for fishing in areas under their jurisdiction. This analysis reviews the main aspects of the external dimension and its evolution over time.
The Mediterranean fishing area: State of play
The Mediterranean Sea boasts a particularly high biological diversity, including more than 500 fish species, many of which are unique to the region. However, several factors have contributed to the disturbance of the sea's habitats, with consequences for the living organisms and, hence, for the fisheries in the region. Pollution from land and sea sources, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation and the growing competition for space are among the main challenges. Traditional small-scale ...
EU-Norway relations in fisheries: An overview of the northern fisheries agreements
Describing the complex network of fisheries agreements between the EU and Norway, this briefing also offers an overview of the other fisheries agreements concluded by the EU in the North-East Atlantic. The very first EU fisheries regulations were adopted in 1970 in anticipation of the accession of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland and Norway to the European Communities (EC). Ultimately, Norway rejected EC membership, a decision in which fisheries considerations played an important part. The late ...
Research for PECH Committee - Policy options for strengthening the competitiveness of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector
The EU fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs) market is largely dependent on external producers. Some of the imports entering the EU market come from countries with lenient regulations. This study gives an overview on existing competitiveness indicators. It shows main trends in the EU’s FAPs supply through extra-EU imports and identifies the main internal and external factors affecting the sector’s competitiveness. The research presents four case studies and an assessment of options for adaptations ...
Research for PECH Committee - Increasing selectivity in EU fisheries - State of play and best practices
This study provides an overview of the current state of play in selectivity developments in EU fisheries by i) outlining the existing technical (gear) and tactical selectivity measures to reduce unwanted catches; ii) identifying best practices from projects that have successfully improved selectivity; and iii) analysing how EU funding have been used by Member States for promoting increased selectivity. Based on these results, policy recommendations for EU policymakers on potential actions to improve ...
Common fisheries policy: State of play
In the EU, marine fisheries – the core of the common fisheries policy (CFP) – fall under one of the few areas of exclusive competence. This means that the EU legislates on marine fisheries through regulations that are directly binding on EU Member States. Since its creation in 1983, the CFP has been reformed three times. Most recently, in 2013, a major reform sought to achieve sustainable exploitation of all stocks by 2020, using a scientific indicator. The tools introduced to support this goal include ...
EU−Mauritius fisheries agreement: New protocol
During the June part-session, ºÏ·¨²©²ÊÍøÕ¾ is due to vote on giving consent to concluding a new implementing protocol to the EU's fisheries agreement with Mauritius. The protocol, which allows EU vessels to fish in Mauritian waters, sets out the fishing opportunities available to the EU fleet and the EU's financial contribution.
Action plan to protect marine ecosystems for sustainable fisheries
On 21 February 2023, the European Commission published a 'fisheries and oceans' package, including an action plan for reconciling marine protection and fisheries. With this plan, the Commission is hoping to achieve more consistent implementation of EU environmental and fisheries policies. The main aim is to make fishing practices more sustainable by improving gear selectivity and reducing impacts on sensitive species (such as dolphins) and the seabed. On seabeds, the Commission is calling for a ban ...
This Report is a research on the current performance of the shared management component of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and its impact on the Common Fisheries Policy. Based on quantitative data collection as well as on interviews with Managing Authorities of Member States and stakeholders, the Report also analyses the legislative proposal for the post-2020 EMFF and seeks to support the Members of the PECH Committee of the EU ºÏ·¨²©²ÊÍøÕ¾ in their consideration.
Outcome of the 2022 WTO ministerial conference: Is the glass half-empty or half-full?
From 12 to 17 June 2022, the World Trade Organization (WTO) held an extended 12th ministerial conference (MC12), after it had been postponed twice owing to the pandemic. Although the outcome of the MC12 was the result of hard-won compromises, it covers a wide range of key agenda items and may be said to provide new momentum for the WTO, which critics have often portrayed as moribund. The WTO has proved its centrality for crafting multilateral solutions for global challenges, notably against the backdrop ...