EAPO has urged the European Commission to adopt revised fisheries management strategies for the North-Western Waters and North Sea
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) has issued a comprehensive position paper outlining significant challenges and recommendations for fisheries management in the North-Western Waters and North Sea.
The paper, addressed to key stakeholders including DG MARE, highlights concerns about declining stock biomass, the impact of climate change, and the effectiveness of current scientific and management frameworks.
Key Concerns on Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY)
EAPO critiques the effectiveness of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) as a guiding principle, noting a decline in stock health despite adherence to these guidelines. The report emphasises that warming seas and density-dependent mechanisms are contributing to stock depletion, citing examples such as cod in the Celtic Sea and northern hake. It calls for the European Commission and ICES to integrate these factors into their annual advice and management strategies.
Stock-Specific Highlights
- Pollack (Subareas VI and VII):
- EAPO expressed deep concern over the zero-catch advice, highlighting its severe economic impact on mixed demersal and pelagic fisheries. The association recommends a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 1,200 tonnes for 2025 to balance stock recovery with the needs of dependent fleets.
- Nephrops (Subarea VII):
- While acknowledging a 12% reduction in overall landings, EAPO challenges the 25% reduction for the Porcupine Bank (FU16), advocating a review of seasonal closures and further analysis of industry-led sampling data.
- Cod (Celtic Sea):
- The association notes low recruitment levels and the impact of rising sea temperatures on the species’ life cycle. It recommends a by-catch TAC of 644 tonnes for 2025 to mitigate choke risks in mixed fisheries.
- Haddock (Subarea VII):
- Acknowledging a sharp 44% decline in advice, EAPO urges the use of provisions under the North-Western Waters Multi-Annual Plan (MAP) to limit TAC reductions to 20%.
Climate Change and Data Challenges
EAPO underscores the importance of understanding climate change impacts on fish stocks, urging ICES to incorporate these effects into their assessments. The association also raises concerns about discrepancies in stock data, particularly for species like lemon sole and whiting, and advocates for enhanced genetic studies to refine stock definitions.
Recommendations for North Sea Stocks
The paper praises improvements in stock assessments for species such as haddock and saithe, which show positive trends. However, it calls for a cautious approach to setting TACs, particularly for whiting, where an 85% increase in advised catches raises ecological concerns.
Broader Industry Impacts
EAPO stresses the socio-economic consequences of overly precautionary advice, noting that drastic reductions in TACs could lead to increased discards and create choke situations. It recommends more balanced management measures to ensure sustainability without jeopardising the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Conclusion
EAPO’s position paper advocates for a more nuanced approach to fisheries management, integrating climate data, density-dependent mechanisms, and robust stock assessments. The association calls for political will and scientific innovation to address these challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for European fisheries.
This detailed paper serves as a critical resource ahead of upcoming EU-UK negotiations and provides a roadmap for policymakers to align ecological sustainability with economic resilience.