The NSAC has issued advice on the de minimis exemption for Lemon sole proposed by the NWWAC and the Scheveningen groups
The North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) has issued advice on the de minimis exemption for Lemon sole proposed by the North Western Waters and the Scheveningen groups. This advice, approved by the NSAC Executive Committee on 19 April 2024 via a fast-track written procedure, aims to address pertinent concerns regarding the landing obligation for certain fisheries in the Western Waters and the North Sea.
The NSAC received a request for advice from the Swedish Presidency of the Scheveningen Group on amending specifying details of the landing obligation for Lemon sole. This request, dated 27 March 2024, sought recommendations for a de minimis exemption for catches of Lemon sole by vessels using beam trawls (TBB) of mesh sizes equal to and above 80mm in Union waters of ICES subareas 4 and 7d. The proposed exemption, under article 15, 5 c) (ii) and (i) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, aims to address disproportionate handling costs and difficulties in increasing selectivity.
The NSAC members generally support the de minimis exemption proposed by the North Western Waters and the Scheveningen groups. However, it is advised to consider the impact of recent fleet decommissioning on the Dutch scenario. The gradual decrease in Lemon sole landings since 2019, coupled with a decline in the number of Dutch vessels reporting such landings, may be attributed to the effects of decommissioning, particularly for the BT 2 fleet. This aspect should be factored into both present and future considerations.
In conclusion, the NSAC extends its gratitude to the Scheveningen group for the opportunity to provide input on the draft amendment concerning the de minimis exemption for Lemon sole. The council remains open for further deliberations on this matter, underscoring its commitment to ensuring sustainable fisheries management practices.