An Taisce have joined Ireland’s environmental NGOs in calling the European Commission to ensure Fishing Opportunities are set in line with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. The slow progress to end overfishing in the EU in line with the CFP is of significant concern. With more than 60% of assessed stocks outside safe biological limits and nearly half of stocks subject to overfishing, additional efforts are needed to restore stocks to healthy levels.

We urge the Commission to:

• Only propose fishing opportunities not exceeding scientifically advised FMSY point estimates;

• Request scientific advice from the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) if fishing above FMSY levels is necessary for the achievement of the objectives in the case of mixed fisheries or to avoid serious harm to a stock caused by intra- or inter-species stock dynamics in case a member state requests making use of an exemption provided for in the Baltic MAP for stocks above the MSY Btrigger reference point.

• Request scientific advisory bodies to evaluate to what extent the agreed Baltic MAP will contribute to restoring and maintaining stocks above BMSY levels.

We call on the Commission to address all outstanding issues with utmost urgency.

Download the submission here.