NWWAC has issues advice on a joint recommendation for a de minimis exemption for lemon sole in ICES areas 4 and 7d
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has submitted feedback to Dr. Eric Banel of the Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes, de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture regarding the draft Joint Recommendation for a de minimis exemption for lemon sole in Union waters of ICES areas 4 and 7d.
In a letter dated April 11, 2024, NWWAC Chairman Emiel Brouckaert expressed the council’s general support for the draft recommendation. However, the NWWAC advocated for extending the exemption to all types of trawlers operating in the specified ICES areas, rather than limiting it solely to beam trawlers.
The council also highlighted the ICES advice from 2018, which suggested that removing the EU/UK Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for lemon sole in certain areas could lower the risk of unsustainable exploitation. This advice was reaffirmed in 2022 and should be considered in the Joint Recommendation process to provide a comprehensive overview to relevant authorities.
Additionally, the NWWAC emphasised that the proposed exemption would not negatively impact Total Allowable Catch and would not increase choke risk. The council stressed the importance of close cooperation between the Advisory Council and Regional Member States’ Group to enhance fisheries management in North Western Waters.
Brouckaert reiterated the NWWAC’s commitment to optimising the efficiency of the consultation process and welcomed the opportunity to provide input during the development of the Joint Recommendation.