Six EU fisheries advisory councils have jointly recommended a more inclusive approach to formulating scientific advice for fisheries policy
In a recent advisory document, six European fisheries advisory councils—comprising the North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC), Long Distance Advisory Council (LDAC), Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC), North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), South Western Waters Advisory Council (SWWAC), and Baltic Sea Advisory Council (BSAC)—jointly recommended a more inclusive approach to formulating scientific advice for the EU’s fisheries policy.
Approved on 29 October 2024, the proposal calls for structured stakeholder engagement in developing the scientific requests submitted to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
Key Recommendations for Stakeholder Engagement
The councils emphasize that involving stakeholders at the early stages of scientific advice formulation could improve transparency, alignment with EU policy objectives, and credibility. The collaborative paper outlines steps to systematize engagement, particularly within the “non-recurrent” (special) advice requests submitted to ICES. “Stakeholder engagement is not merely a procedural formality; it’s essential to ensure that the resulting scientific advice reflects real-world ecological and socio-economic conditions,” the councils stated in the document.
One of the primary recommendations includes establishing a mechanism within the European Commission for early notifications on upcoming advice requests. This would enable stakeholders—ranging from industry representatives to environmental organizations—to participate actively in shaping these requests, thus reducing bias and enhancing relevance in fisheries management decisions.
Addressing Broader Management Needs
Historically, fisheries policy has focused on single-stock management, overlooking broader ecological and social considerations. However, recent global environmental agreements, such as the 2023 UN High Seas Treaty and the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), call for a more holistic approach to fisheries management. Under these mandates, policies should account for ecosystem health and long-term sustainability, rather than purely focusing on catch volumes for specific species.
The councils’ recommendations align with ICES’s own 2023 guidelines, which acknowledge the importance of dialogue with stakeholders and policymakers to meet ecosystem-based management objectives.
Proposed Actions for Immediate Implementation
The advisory document details specific actions for short- and medium-term implementation:
- Early Notification: The European Commission should inform Advisory Councils of planned advice requests in advance, allowing them sufficient time to provide input.
- Annual Meetings: Establish an annual meeting between the European Commission’s DG MARE and the Advisory Councils in early January to discuss priorities and expected requests for scientific advice.
- Broadened Consultation: In consultation with ICES and other involved entities, the Commission should create a framework that incorporates stakeholder feedback into both recurrent and non-recurrent advice requests.
- Observer Status: The councils advocate for granting Advisory Councils observer status at key meetings, such as MIRIA, and for debriefing sessions to improve transparency.
- Feedback Loop: Stakeholders should receive regular updates on how their input has influenced the advice development process, reinforcing accountability and trust between the scientific and stakeholder communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the recommendation stresses the importance of early stakeholder input, challenges remain in implementing a consistent, EU-wide engagement mechanism. The councils point out that different member states apply varying standards for stakeholder consultation, resulting in inconsistent enforcement across regions. This fragmentation could be addressed by establishing uniform consultation protocols and increasing transparency in fisheries management.
“Ensuring diverse representation in the request formulation process will strengthen the scientific advice and align it more closely with the needs of society,” said Marta Ballesteros, a contributor to the advisory. By proactively involving stakeholders, the councils argue, EU fisheries management can better account for the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and industry challenges.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The advisory document highlights the need for collaboration not only within EU member states but also with non-EU partners involved in shared fisheries. For shared fish stocks with third countries, the advisory councils recommend expanding stakeholder engagement at international governance levels through established forums like the Inter-AC Brexit Forum.
The European Commission’s response to these recommendations is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of fisheries management across Europe. If adopted, the proposals could represent a significant shift toward a more integrated, stakeholder-driven approach, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and resilience of Europe’s marine resources.