Fisheries advisory councils PelAC and NWWAC have formally requested DG MARE for a detailed exchange on new control regulation. Photo: European Union
In a bid to foster comprehensive stakeholder engagement, the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) and the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) have formally requested a joint workshop with the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) to discuss the new Fisheries Control Regulation.
This request, spearheaded by the chairs of both advisory councils, aims to ensure in-depth dialogue and effective interaction with all members on the regulation’s implementation.
In a letter addressed to Jérôme Broche, Acting Head of Unit for Fisheries Control and Inspections at DG MARE, PelAC and NWWAC emphasised the inadequacy of the current Inter-AC meeting format for thorough exchanges. They noted that the simultaneous consultation of all Advisory Councils (ACs) does not allow for detailed stakeholder interaction, leaving many members unable to address specific concerns during these sessions.
Key Points from the Letter:
– Need for Detailed Exchange: The councils highlighted the importance of a detailed workshop focused solely on the new control regulation. This would enable a comprehensive discussion on the regulation’s implications and allow sufficient time for Q&A sessions with all members.
– Joint Workshop Proposal: To streamline the Commission’s engagement with ACs, the councils proposed a joint workshop in Brussels, inviting the Commission to participate in person. The workshop aims to discuss the implementation timelines for the delegated and implementing acts, ensuring that AC members are well-prepared for upcoming regulatory changes.
– Broad Support: The proposal has garnered support from other advisory councils, including those representing the Baltic, Mediterranean, North Sea, and South Western Waters regions, highlighting the widespread importance of this issue across different fishing communities.
– Active Participation: Both NWWAC and PelAC have been actively involved in shaping the Control Regulation, contributing detailed recommendations during the co-decision process. The councils underscored the regulation’s significant impact on industry and NGO stakeholders, warranting a more thorough consultative approach.
Statements from Council Chairs:
– Emiel Brouckaert, NWWAC Chair: “The Control Regulation is a pivotal piece of legislation for our industry. A dedicated workshop will ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding and can contribute effectively to its implementation.”
– Sean O’Donoghue, PelAC Chair: “We believe that a joint workshop will facilitate more meaningful engagement and help address specific concerns that our members have regarding the new regulation.”
In addition to requesting the workshop, the councils also inquired about the availability of a consolidated version of the Control Regulation for public access, underscoring the need for transparency and accessibility in the regulatory process.
The proposed workshop is seen as a critical step towards ensuring that the Control Regulation is implemented effectively, with full consideration of the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders involved in the fisheries sector. The councils await the Commission’s response and are prepared to engage constructively to achieve a successful outcome.