The NWWAC and PelAC received a Commission response on their call for better coherence between environment and fisheries policy
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the Pelagic Advisory Council (PELAC) recently received a response from Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, regarding their call for increased policy coherence between environmental and fisheries dimensions.
In their original request, both NWWAC and PELAC stressed the need for better alignment between fisheries and environmental policies, particularly in light of challenges such as offshore renewable energy (ORE) developments and conservation site designations. Ms. Vitcheva acknowledged the concerns and highlighted several positive developments that aim to address these issues, including the creation of a Focus Group on Spatial Dimension by NWWAC and PELAC. This group, which reviews the impacts of ORE and underwater noise on fisheries, is seen as a valuable contribution to shaping national maritime spatial plans.
Ms. Vitcheva also referenced recent efforts to improve policy coherence. These include the European Commission’s “Wind Package,” launched in October 2023, which sets out the EU’s offshore renewable energy ambitions. A specific call for proposals under Horizon Europe is scheduled for September 2024, aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of offshore wind farms.
Other initiatives include the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI), which involves multiple countries working together to streamline legislative frameworks for fisheries, energy, nature, and transport in the North Sea. Additionally, a public event is planned for October 2024 in Marseille to celebrate 10 years of the Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive.
In conclusion, Ms. Vitcheva assured NWWAC and PELAC that these measures, along with ongoing projects and collaborative platforms, form a solid basis for achieving greater coherence between fisheries and environmental policies. She encouraged their continued involvement and contributions to these initiatives.
This response marks an important step in addressing the growing concerns around the balance between environmental protection and the needs of the fishing industry, particularly in regions affected by offshore renewable energy projects.