The EU Commission has responded to advice from the NSAC and NWWAC on skate and ray total allowable catch management
In a detailed response dated 03 April 2024, Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) at the European Commission, addressed the North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) and the Northwestern Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) regarding their concerns on the Total Allowable Catches (TAC) setting for skates and rays.
This correspondence highlights the significant progress, and ongoing efforts made by the Advisory Councils to improve the management and conservation of these species.
Progress in Species Identification and Assessments
Since the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) assessment in 2017, there have been notable advancements in species identification and quantitative assessments. These improvements are crucial for the sustainable management of skates and rays. A workshop organised by NWWAC on 9 February 2023, which included discussions on sub-TACs for specific species and alternative management strategies, has been a key initiative in addressing the challenges in skate and ray fisheries management.
Seeking Alternatives to the Group TAC Approach
During the Inter-AC Brexit Forum on 17 May 2024, DG MARE colleagues outlined the Commission’s commitment to exploring alternatives to the current group TAC approach. This initiative follows the commitment in the Written Record on fishing opportunities with the UK since 2023. The Advisory Councils’ recommendations and observations are timely and essential for this endeavour.
Next Steps and Preliminary Simulations
The Commission has identified several key next steps, beginning with preliminary simulations to assess the impact of implementing stock-specific or sub-TACs. These simulations are essential for evaluating the risks associated with choke species and the socio-economic impacts of various management strategies. The insights gained will inform technical discussions with the UK, ensuring that the recommendations from the Advisory Councils shape effective management solutions.
Discard Survival and Data Collection
Acknowledging the promising results from various studies on the survivability of skates and rays during the catch process, Vitcheva emphasised the importance of continued research and data collection on discard survival. This data is vital for informed management decisions and the effective conservation of these species.
The letter also addressed the significant challenges in data collection due to uncertainties in species identification and the rarity of some species. Industry contributions are valuable, especially when conducted in collaboration with scientific validation. A notable example mentioned is the small-eyed ray in area 7e, benefiting from a sentinel fishery, a collaborative initiative involving government, industry, and science to enhance data collection.
Continued Engagement and Collaboration
Vitcheva expressed appreciation for the continuous engagement of NWWAC and NSAC, particularly the insights from the ACs focus group. This engagement is crucial for developing strategies to manage skates and rays sustainably. The Commission encourages ongoing contributions from the Advisory Councils to refine and implement effective management solutions.
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. The new FV Quantus designed by Salt Ship Design will be fitted with the Brunvoll Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster. Illustration by Salt Ship Design
Brunvoll with Yet Another Fishing Vessel Contract
Brunvoll has recently signed contract with Westcon Yards for the delivery of a wide array of products to the new fishing vessel for owner M.V. Quantus Limited and Peter & J. Johnstone Limited, based in Peterhead, UK.
Included is the Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster, on its way to become an industry standard for fishing vessels. The vessel is designed by Salt Ship Design and will be delivered from the yard by the end of 2025.
The Brunvoll delivery for Quantus will consist of main propulsion and gear, the BruCon Propulsion and Thruster Control (PTC) system, an aft tunnel thruster, and a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster in the bow.
The main features of the Combi thruster are to act as tunnel thruster in upper position, and as azimuth manoeuvring and propulsion unit when lowered. The Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster can provide value in various operations from added manoeuvring capability at port, to providing extra thrust and increased manoeuvrability in fishing operations by keeping the vessel on course in conditions which would else cause drift-off. The Combi thruster will also reduce fuel consumption by avoiding inefficient use of the rudder and main propulsion. The Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster has reportedly been used to bring the vessel and crew safely to port in cases where other vital systems have been out of operation.
Brunvoll’s Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster, becoming an industry standard for fishing vessels. Illustration by Brunvoll
Another reason for installing a Retractable Azimuth Combi Thruster is as a propulsion unit further away from the fishing gear during hauling or pumping, helps to avoid damage and disruption. Further, using the Retractable Azimuth Combi during pumping operation at stern can allow for completely stopping the main propeller and avoid trawl rotation in the flow out from the propeller, often called propeller wake.
The customers M.V. Quantus Limited and Peter & J. Johnstone Limited have also earlier installed Brunvoll thrusters for their fishing vessels. This time they are placing their trust in Brunvoll to provide an even broader range of products and systems for their new asset. The Quantus will be a pelagic trawler, built for low emissions, safe workdays, and high fish quality operating out of Peterhead (UK), which is one of Europe’s largest white-fish ports.