The MAC has issued recommendations to the European Commission and EU Member States on the potential impacts of the EU’s “Marine Action Plan”
The Market Advisory Council (MAC) has issued recommendations to the European Commission and EU Member States regarding the potential effects of the communication titled “EU Action Plan: Protecting and Restoring Marine Ecosystems for Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries,” commonly referred to as the “Marine Action Plan”.
Outlined in the Marine Action Plan is a call for Member States to enhance gear selectivity and minimise the impact of fisheries on vulnerable species and seabeds. One significant proposal is the potential prohibition of mobile bottom-contacting gear in Marine Protected Areas by 2030, alongside an ambition to designate 30% of EU seas as protected areas. According to a report by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, the closure of such gear without adaptation or mitigation measures could lead to a 16% reduction in EU landings volume and a 20% decrease in value.
To thoroughly assess the socio-economic implications of the Marine Action Plan, the MAC has recommended several actions:
- Comprehensive Socioeconomic Impact Assessment: The MAC advises the Commission to conduct a detailed assessment covering all proposed actions that have not undergone prior impact assessments. This evaluation should focus on the producing sector and the market, encompassing aspects of supply and imports.
- Exploration of Additional Funding Mechanisms: The Commission and Member States are urged to explore supplementary funding mechanisms alongside the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund to address potential economic challenges.
- Coordinated National Roadmaps: Member States are encouraged to map existing legislative frameworks when formulating national roadmaps to ensure coherence and consistency. Collaboration with the Commission is essential to ensure a level playing field during implementation.
- Workshop on Market Impacts: The MAC proposes that the Commission organise a dedicated workshop to examine the effects of the Marine Action Plan on the market for fishery and aquaculture products.
Julien Lamothe, Chair of MAC’s Working Group 1 (EU Production), emphasised the necessity for a comprehensive socioeconomic impact assessment despite the non-binding nature of the Marine Action Plan. Lamothe highlighted the potential market repercussions acknowledged by the Commission’s scientific body, stressing the need for an assessment that considers the complexity of consumer behavior and supply chain dynamics.