The Pelagic AC provides credible, scientific, and consensus-based advice to inform pelagic fisheries policy, both upon the request of the European Commission and Member States, and on its own initiative. All advice and recommendations are developed and approved by the members of the Pelagic AC.
Our advice — and responses to it — may be accessed below.
| Name | Summary | Year | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep sea mining in international waters (joint LDAC-PelAC-NWWAC advice) | Following the PelAC advice issued in 2020 expressing concerns in relation to seismic impacts and deep-sea mining activities, the PelAC collaborated on a more in-depth joint LDAC-PELAC-NWWAC advice on deep-sea mining in international waters. The advice captured legislative background as well as scientific considerations to formulate recommendations with regard to science, data collection, transparency in decision-making and policy. The ACs believe a precautionary approach should be followed when regulating extractive and deep-sea mining activities. The LDAC-PELAC-NWWAC, wish to see further transparency and an integrated multi sectorial database containing data from all ocean activities including fisheries, oil and gas exploitation, seabed mining, etc. in both non-EU exclusive economic zones and the high seas. The Commission sent a positive reply to the joint-AC advice, stipulating assurances that the key concerns raised by the ACs were shared and listing the actions undertaken by the Commission in the context of the mining code and its vigilance with the latest developments at the ISA, such as advocating for protection of the marine environment, as well as to enhance transparency and inclusiveness. | 2021 | Letter to Commission on deepsea mining in international waters Commission response |