The European Commission has acknowledged the collaborative contribution of the NWWAC, NSAC, and MAC in their joint submission on brown crab
In response to the comprehensive joint advice submitted by the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC), and Market Advisory Council (MAC) on brown crab (Cancer pagurus), Charlina Vitcheva, the Director-General of DG MARE in the European Commission, expressed gratitude for the valuable insights provided.
The letter, dated 22 September 2023, highlighted various aspects of brown crab fisheries, covering research, threats to stock status, management, supply chain, and market issues.
Vitcheva commended the activity and dynamism of the NWWAC / NSAC / MAC Focus Group Brown Crab and acknowledged the significance of the “Brown Crab Workshop” held in Paris on 16 May 2023. During this workshop, DG MARE delivered a brief presentation on brown crab fisheries in the context of EU-UK shared non-quota stocks (NQS). The discussions held during the workshop formed the foundation for the joint recommendations presented in the letter.
Recognising the complexity of managing non-quota stocks, particularly data-poor species with variable management measures at the national and regional levels, Vitcheva emphasised the challenges posed by the interplay in the management of EU-UK shared NQS. This involves parallel initiatives at EU and UK levels, alongside ongoing commitments in the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Fisheries, including MultiYear Strategies for the conservation and management of NQS.
The letter acknowledged reported threats to brown crab stock status, encompassing reduced recruitment, increased fishing pressure, new diseases/parasites, and effects from climate change. Vitcheva concurred with the need to enhance current knowledge and address information/data gaps through EU-funded research projects. The Commission also encouraged stakeholder initiatives supported by robust scientific evidence, in line with the provided recommendations.
The Commission expressed support for proposals to evaluate and monitor fishing effort and spatial-temporal distribution, potentially limiting fishing effort through closures in the crab fishery. Such initiatives could also assess the impacts of spatial squeeze and displacement of fishing effort resulting from other activities, such as offshore renewable energy structures.
Emphasising the importance of harmonisation of management measures, particularly the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) for brown crab among Member States and ideally with the UK, Vitcheva highlighted the benefits of stability and predictability for the sector across sea basins. Harmonisation would facilitate control and enforcement while improving traceability of brown crab catches throughout the supply chain.
In conclusion, Vitcheva reiterated support for initiatives aimed at improving information on brown crab fisheries and stock status, recognising the commitment of the advisory councils to refining fisheries management and enhancing the sector’s sustainability. The continued engagement of the councils in discussions on NQS in the Specialised Committee on Fisheries was also welcomed.
