EU report highlights success of MAPs (multiannual fisheries plans) in the North Sea and Western Waters by reducing fishing pressure on stocks. Photo: Fintan
The European Commission has published its first report on the implementation of multiannual plans (MAPs) for the management of fisheries in the North Sea and the Western Waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The report reveals that the MAPs have been instrumental in reducing fishing pressure and ensuring sustainable fisheries management in these key areas.
The MAPs, introduced in 2018 for the North Sea and 2019 for the Western Waters, are seen as essential tools for implementing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). According to the Commission, the MAPs have provided precision and certainty when setting fishing opportunities, while also ensuring a safety net for vulnerable stocks. For healthier stocks, the plans offer flexibility, allowing for adjustments to the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) based on stock conditions.
“Only healthy fish stocks can ensure the long-term profitability of the fishing industry and related sectors,” the Commission noted, stressing the importance of sustainable management.
Key Achievements of the MAPs
Over the last four to five years, the MAPs have facilitated several important developments:
- 91% of TACs in the Western Waters for EU-managed stocks have been set at sustainable levels.
- In the North Sea, TACs for shared stocks like whiting and haddock have increased, supporting the recovery and growth of these species.
The report also highlights the consultative approach used in implementing the MAPs, with input from stakeholders, including fishers, national administrations, and NGOs. This collaborative method helped ensure that the MAPs addressed the diverse needs of the fishing sector while promoting sustainability.
Figure 1: Number of target stocks in the North Sea and the Western Waters MAPs receiving MSY advice and precautionary advice since the Basic Regulation started to apply (Source: data extracted from ICES advice). The graph below (Figure 2) shows how – since the implementation of the Basic Regulation and the implementation of both MAPs – ICES has issued an increasing amount of MSY advice for MAPs target stocks in the South Western Waters, the North Western Waters and the North Sea. This is one positive effect of having the MAPs in place, as it has become a common goal to improve scientific advice, especially for the target stocks under the MAPs, but also for the by-catch stocks. Such an improvement was also possible thanks to the commitment of fishers to deliver better data to inform the scientific process. Image: European Union 2024
Figure 2: percentage of target stocks in the North Sea and Western Waters MAPs (including South Western Waters (SWW), North Western Waters (NWW) and the North Sea (NS)) receiving MSY advice over time (Source: data extracted from ICES advice). Image: European Union
Balancing Conservation and Flexibility
One of the key strengths of the MAPs is their ability to strike a balance between conservation efforts and operational flexibility. For fish stocks with robust data, MAPs allow the use of upper limits when setting TACs for healthier stocks. Meanwhile, for stocks that are struggling, MAPs establish a safety net, ensuring that remedial measures are in place to aid recovery.
The Commission notes that without the MAP framework, it would have been more difficult for the Council to agree on necessary remedial measures to protect weak stocks. As a result, TACs might have been set at unsustainable levels, risking long-term damage to fish populations and the industry.
A Path Towards Long-Term Sustainability
The report concludes that the MAPs provide a stable, long-term instrument for implementing the CFP. They reduce uncertainty when setting TACs, ensure transparency in the process, and allow the fishing industry to plan their activities more effectively. Additionally, the MAPs make it easier to adopt conservation measures when stocks are under pressure, ensuring that EU fisheries remain sustainable.
As the fishing industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by environmental changes and shifting stock levels, the MAPs for the North Sea and Western Waters will play a crucial role in ensuring that fisheries are managed responsibly and sustainably.
This report reflects the Commission’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and balancing economic activity with the need to protect marine ecosystems.