The NSAC has issued a detailed set of recommendations to the EU Commission on integrating Fisheries OECMs into the EU’s biodiversity strategy. Photo: DFPO
The North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) has issued a detailed set of recommendations to the European Commission and North Sea Member States on integrating Fisheries Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) into the EU’s biodiversity strategy.
This advice aligns with the EU’s target to protect 30% of marine areas by 2030, as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
Fisheries-OECMs and Marine Conservation
Fisheries-OECMs, as defined by the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD), are specific, managed areas that achieve long-term conservation outcomes while allowing certain activities like fishing to continue sustainably. The EU recognises OECMs as complementary to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly in reaching the “30 by 30” conservation target.
NSAC’s advice stems from workshops and consultations conducted over the past year, involving experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Challenges Identified
- Insufficient Protection in MPAs: While 20% of the North Sea is designated as MPA, many areas lack adequate management and enforcement. NSAC emphasises that OECMs must provide measurable conservation benefits to complement existing protections.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Effective OECMs require close collaboration with fisheries stakeholders to balance ecological and socio-economic interests.
NSAC Recommendations
To the European Commission, NSAC advises:
- Enhancing collaboration between fisheries (DG MARE) and biodiversity (DG ENV) departments.
- Supporting pilot projects for designating and managing Fisheries-OECMs.
- Promoting stakeholder knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Recognising Advisory Councils as key forums for stakeholder engagement.
To Member States, NSAC recommends:
- Systematically identifying potential Fisheries-OECMs in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Integrating local knowledge into planning and addressing conflicts early.
- Promoting cross-border collaboration through OSPAR and HELCOM frameworks.
- Ensuring monitoring programs to evaluate long-term conservation and fisheries outcomes.
Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Use
NSAC highlighted the dual role of Fisheries-OECMs in strengthening biodiversity conservation while supporting sustainable fishing practices. The council stressed that any measures must consider socio-economic impacts and involve local communities in decision-making processes.
Next Steps
NSAC called on the European Commission and Member States to act on its recommendations, ensuring that Fisheries-OECMs contribute meaningfully to the EU’s biodiversity and fisheries objectives. The council remains committed to supporting further consultations and pilot initiatives in the North Sea and beyond.