At the same time, further efforts are needed to ensure the resilience of the fisheries sector and the long-term viability of key species in all sea basins.
According to the Commission communication entitled ‘Sustainable fisheries in the European Union: current state and directions for 2025’, adopted today, the overall sustainability of fisheries in the European Union continues to gradually improve, with fewer stocks now being overfished.
At the same time, further efforts are needed to ensure the resilience of the fisheries sector and the long-term viability of key species in all sea basins.
Today’s Communication sets out the guidelines for the Commission’s proposals for fishing opportunities for 2025 and launches a stakeholder consultation process.
The proposals to be approved after the summer will aim to maintain fish stocks that have already reached sustainable levels, while helping other stocks to recover. The Commission’s announcement is based on independent scientific assessments.
The announcement notes that fish stocks in the North East Atlantic are in an average range that is acceptable for good health, while the latest assessment also shows the best sustainability performance recorded so far, demonstrating that the EU’s decisions on sustainable fisheries management and fishermen’s efforts bear fruit. This seems to be the case in the Community waters of the Atlantic.
However, several species, which are essential for ecosystem balance and trade, continue to underperform.
In the Mediterranean and Black Sea, while fish stocks are slowly recovering, fishing mortality remains too high. Although the fishing mortality rate has reached its lowest level to date, it remains 20% higher than the recommended sustainable rate. Greater commitment and continued efforts are needed to fully recover key species and ecosystems.
The situation in the Baltic Sea remains extremely worrying as fish stocks continue to decline due to various pressures. Four out of ten stocks in the Baltic Sea are no longer targeted and can only be landed as by-catch.
The Commission will continue to take measures to address the various pressures on fish stocks, while helping to improve the state of the Baltic Sea ecosystems. However, Member States must also continue their efforts to reverse this situation by fully implementing EU law.
Athena Papakosta
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
