The NWWAC coming into its 20th year, unveils a dynamic Work Programme for Year 2024-2025
Coming into its 20th year of operation, the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) is excited to announce the launch of its ambitious and forward-looking Work Programme for Year 2024-2025.
This comprehensive plan sets out its strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at promoting a sustainable management of the North Western Waters fisheries. Guided by robust scientific evidence and stakeholder collaboration, the topics and initiatives underscore the Advisory Council’s commitment to contribute to maintaining a sustainable fishing sector and thriving marine ecosystem.
Work Programme Highlights:
- The evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): The NWWAC continues to critically assess the implementation and outcomes of the CFP, ensuring that its objectives align with sustainable fishing practices and the socio-economic wellbeing of coastal communities. Our goal is to contribute to shaping policies that are both effective and adaptable.
- The functioning of the Landing Obligation: Efforts are focused on the effective implementation of the landing obligation, aiming at minimisation of discards and supporting the sector while highlighting where improvements are needed.
- Innovative Technical Measures: The AC continues its work on promoting technical measures that enhance selectivity, reduce bycatch, and improve the overall sustainability of fishing operations.
- Sustainable Management of Non-Quota Species: Special attention is given to non-quota species such as scallop, seabass, and brown crab, ensuring their sustainable management through targeted measures and stakeholder engagement, also in collaboration with UK stakeholders.
- Annual Insights on Fishing Opportunities: Providing annual recommendations on fishing opportunities, based on the ICES scientific advice, remains a core function of the NWWAC.
- Navigating the Impact of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA): The NWWAC is closely monitoring and addressing the implications of the EU-UK TCA on fisheries management and industry operations, fostering cooperation and adaptive strategies.
- Ecosystem-Based Approach to Fisheries Management: Through projects such as SEAwise and Mission Atlantic, the AC is championing an ecosystem-based approach that considers the complex interdependencies within the marine environment, ensuring holistic and sustainable management.
- Policy Coherence between Fisheries and Environmental dimensions: Competition for use in the marine environment continues to increase which the AC addresses be specifically taking into account the implications of the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive on the fisheries sector, on the marine environment and on the use of the maritime space.
- Smart Spatial Planning and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The AC continually addresses spatial issues related to offshore renewable energy installations and the designation and management of MPAs to balance ecological protection and objectives with socio-economic aspects.
- Elevating the Social Aspects of Fisheries: The AC maintains its focus on the socio-economic dimensions of fisheries, including the livelihoods of fishing communities, labour conditions, and the cultural heritage of coastal regions.
- Control and Compliance: The AC monitors the implementation of the new control regulation to ensure fair, transparent, and sustainable fishing practices.
The North Western Waters Advisory Council invites all stakeholders to join us in this exciting journey. Our Year 20 Work Programme is not just a plan—it is a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Together, we can ensure the prosperity and health of the North Western Waters for today and future generations.
Interested in contributing to making these ambitions become a reality?
Email [email protected] and ask about joining the NWWAC membership!
Source: Press Release