DG MARE has told EU fisheries advisory councils, the Commission supports enhanced stakeholder engagement in the fisheries advice process
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) has committed to bolstering stakeholder engagement in the formulation of scientific advice requests for fisheries management, following recommendations from key Advisory Councils (ACs).
The response, signed by Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of DG MARE, comes after a joint letter from six Advisory Councils advocating for more inclusive processes.
Advisory Councils Call for Greater Inclusion
In their joint letter, the North Sea AC, Long Distance AC, Pelagic AC, North Western Waters AC, South Western Waters AC, and Baltic Sea AC emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping advice requests sent to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The Advisory Councils proposed enhanced consultation processes and the inclusion of stakeholders in key annual ICES meetings to ensure their perspectives inform scientific priorities and policy recommendations.
Commission’s Planned Actions
DG MARE welcomed the proposals, affirming its commitment to stakeholder participation under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Vitcheva highlighted that active engagement is critical to implementing an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, a principle endorsed during DG MARE’s 2022 annual scientific seminar.
Key initiatives outlined in the Commission’s response include:
- Annual Consultation Meetings: Starting early 2025, DG MARE will organise yearly meetings with Advisory Councils to gather input on scientific priorities and draft principles for advice request formulation.
- Observer Status at ICES Meetings: DG MARE plans to facilitate stakeholder participation in MIACO (Meeting with ICES Advisory Councils and Observers) and provide debriefs for stakeholders following MIRIA (Meeting between ICES and Requesters of ICES Advice).
- “Early Signalling” Process: A list of anticipated advice requests will be shared with Advisory Councils each year to streamline discussions and align priorities.
- Internal Review: DG MARE will explore integrating stakeholder consultations into its internal manual for scientific advice requests, ensuring flexibility to meet time-sensitive demands.
Challenges and Next Steps
While supporting many of the Advisory Councils’ proposals, the Commission noted that some requests, such as joint meetings between MIRIA and MIACO participants, require consensus among ICES members and external observers. The feasibility of amending the Commission’s Terms of Reference for ICES advice requests also remains under review.
The response underscored the need for a collective approach, with DG MARE urging Advisory Councils to designate a single point of contact to facilitate communication and coordination.
A Collaborative Path Forward
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to integrating stakeholder voices into fisheries management,” Vitcheva stated. “Enhanced engagement will strengthen the scientific foundation of our policies, ensuring they are robust, inclusive, and aligned with ecosystem-based principles.”
Advisory Councils have been invited to engage further in the process and participate actively in upcoming consultation meetings. The Commission looks forward to continuing collaboration with stakeholders to advance sustainable and inclusive fisheries management.