Advice and Recommendations

The Pelagic Advisory Council’s contribution to the evaluation of the 2013 Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) highlights that while progress has been made in achieving environmental sustainability and reducing overfishing, the policy has only partially met its objectives, particularly in terms of economic and social sustainability. The document emphasizes the need for improved data collection, better integration of ecosystem-based fisheries management, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to address current and emerging challenges such as climate change and pollution.

The advice from NWWAC and PelAC emphasizes the need for increased inclusion of fisheries in marine spatial planning and protected area designations to balance energy targets with food security and socio-economic benefits. It also calls for improved stakeholder engagement, better coordination among administrations, and thorough assessments of the impacts of offshore renewable energy developments on fisheries and the environment.

The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) commends ICES for developing the Framework for Ecosystem Informed Science and Advice (FEISA) and expresses interest in applying this framework to specific pelagic stocks, such as North Sea herring, to enhance ecosystem-based fisheries management. The letter also highlights PelAC’s ongoing efforts to integrate ecosystem and climate considerations into fisheries management and requests a meeting to discuss the implementation of FEISA.

The joint advice from NWWAC, PelAC, and NSAC on the implementation of the EU Fisheries Control Regulation emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for harmonized and practical control measures to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the EU fisheries sector. It highlights concerns and recommendations regarding various aspects of the regulation, including remote electronic monitoring, electronic logbook submissions, vessel monitoring systems for small-scale fleets, serious infringements, weighing procedures, margin of tolerance requirements, engine power monitoring, the use of EMFAF, separate stowage, and digital traceability.

The letter from eleven Advisory Councils highlights the critical need for continued financial support for fisheries and aquaculture in the EU’s post-2027 budget, emphasizing the importance of dedicated funds like EMFAF for sector sustainability and growth. It also underscores the necessity of stakeholder involvement in policy-making and the vital role of Advisory Councils in providing expert advice to ensure effective and inclusive governance.

The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) expresses disappointment with the outcomes of recent negotiations on access to Norwegian waters for fishing Atlanto-Scandian herring, criticizing Norway’s stance on not recognizing the EU as a Coastal State. The letter highlights the EU’s historical concessions and consistent quota management, arguing for the restoration of access to Norwegian waters based on previous agreements. PelAC recommends that the EU push for access restoration, revisit the stock’s management plan with ICES, and expedite legislative measures to address unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries.

The letter from the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) addresses concerns regarding the implementation of a bycatch Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for North Sea horse mackerel, following ICES advice recommending zero catch due to the stock’s poor condition. It highlights challenges and inconsistencies in the implementation of the bycatch TAC across European Member States and emphasizes the need for harmonization to ensure a level playing field. Additionally, PelAC welcomes the Commission’s request to ICES for advice on establishing a monitoring TAC to gather sufficient data for future stock assessments.

The Pelagic Advisory Council’s response to the European Oceans Pact emphasizes the need for a unified framework to enhance coherence and inclusivity among all ocean-related sectors, particularly focusing on fisheries. It highlights the importance of aligning the Oceans Pact with the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to address governance changes and ensure stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes.

The letter from the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) to the European Commission discusses concerns about the environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy (ORE) deployment on marine ecosystems. It highlights the lack of comprehensive understanding and assessment of these impacts, particularly on spawning habitats of key pelagic species, and emphasizes the need for better coordination and adherence to scientific advice from ICES to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible ORE development.

With this letter the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) confirmed their support of the proposal being prepared for submission to EU-funding under the EMFAF programme on ‘Implementing More and Better Use of ICES Survey data’ (IMBUS) and expressed willingness to take part in the project’s stakeholder advisory board.