The EU Commission pushes for quota transparency, requiring Member States to use environmental, social, and economic criteria for allocation
The European Commission has issued a Communication and a detailed “vade mecum” (guidebook) aimed at enhancing transparency and good governance in how Member States allocate fishing opportunities.
The move comes as the Commission seeks to ensure national quota distribution fully leverages the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to promote sustainable practices and better support small-scale and coastal fishers.
New Guidance on CFP Articles 16 and 17
The Commission’s Communication is focused on the application of Articles 16 and 17 of the CFP Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, which govern the allocation of fishing opportunities. These opportunities, defined as a quantified legal entitlement to fish, are deemed essential for the sustainable management of shared natural resources.
The accompanying vade mecum provides further details to assist Member States in implementing Article 17, which stipulates that when allocating national quotas (Total Allowable Catches – TACs and fishing effort limits), Member States must use transparent and objective criteria. These criteria must include those of an environmental, social, and economic nature.
Mandatory Consideration of Sustainability and Social Factors
The Commission explicitly encourages Member States to use the full potential of Article 17, noting that current reporting practices have been inconsistent, making it difficult to gain a clear picture of allocation methods.
Key criteria that Member States must use, as outlined in the new guidance, may include:
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Environmental Impact: The impact of fishing on the marine environment.
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Social Contribution: The contribution of fishing activities to the local economy and coastal communities.
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Compliance History: The track record of compliance with regulations.
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Incentives: Member States are specifically encouraged to provide incentives to fishing vessels that use selective fishing gear or employ techniques that result in reduced environmental impact, such as lower energy consumption or less habitat damage.
Support for Small-Scale Fishers and Transparency Requirements
A core element of the Commission’s communication is the call to support small-scale and coastal fishers. The Commission urges Member States to reflect on the main challenges faced by these groups and to use Article 17 proactively to ensure they receive the necessary support and access to fishing opportunities to sustain their vital contribution to local communities and sustainable fishing practices.
To achieve this, Member States are now invited to provide clearer, more comprehensive information to the Commission, including:
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The specific form the fishing opportunities take (e.g., TACs, quotas, effort limits).
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The specific environmental, social, and economic criteria applied.
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How these criteria are weighted, including any incentives provided.
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The instruments used to ensure transparency, such as stakeholder involvement in setting allocation methods and publicly communicating the results.
The Commission concluded that it stands ready to assist Member States in this process, stressing the need for better communication and transparency to increase public confidence in fisheries policies.
