
EU fisheries and agriculture have concluded the first day of the final AGRIFISH Council meeting of 2021
EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers gathered for the AGRIFISH Council meeting this morning.
Fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea for 2022
Ministers held an initial exchange of views on fishing opportunities for 2022, thus kick-starting the process of determining catch limits and national quotas for fish stocks in EU and non-EU waters, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Consultations will continue over the course of the two-day meeting until a political agreement is reached.
In December each year the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meets to set the following year’s catch limits – also known as total allowed catches (TACs) – for most commercial fish stocks, along with national quotas for each species. The stocks concerned are those the EU manages on its own, jointly with neighbouring non-EU countries, or via agreements reached under the regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs).
The Council’s decision is based on a proposal drawn up by the European Commission, taking into account the best available scientific advice, the aims of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) set for each species.
Other topics on the agenda
The Council received an update from the presidency about the state of play of negotiations on the fisheries control regulation. The Commission presented information about a strategic approach to maximising the added value of public investment under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards fisheries control