On 8 September, the European Commission will host a one-day seminar on the state of fish stocks in European waters. The seminar aims to have open discussions on the latest scientific research on EU fisheries and how it should be applied in practice for the 2012 fishing season and in the long term.
The seminar will cover all major European fish stocks (cod, herring, anchovy, whiting, etc). The basis for the forthcoming Commission proposals on fishing opportunities for 2012 will be presented. Scientists will explain their estimates of how many fish are left in the seas and what this implies in practice for fishermen. Focus will be placed on data issues, its consequences for scientific advice and stock management and possible solutions to address shortcomings. Seminar participants will then be able to discuss what needs to be done next in order to manage these fisheries sustainably.
The seminar will have participants from the fishing industry, scientists and researchers, conservation organisations and other NGOs. It is open to the press and public but pre-registration is required. It will take place from 9h to 13h in the Albert Borschette Conference Centre, 36, rue Froissart, Brussels.
