The European Commission today presented its proposal for fishing opportunities, for 2012, for fish stocks managed together with third countries such as Norway or through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) across the world’s oceans.
At this stage, the proposal only contains very few concrete figures, but it will be completed as scientific advice becomes available or annual negotiations with third parties and organisations have taken place.
Commissioner Maria Damanaki, in charge of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “today’s proposal concerns the stocks the EU manages with the other parties. In most cases, the negotiations with the third countries haven’t been finalised. The Commission will do its utmost to reach the agreements that respect the scientific advice. I strongly hope that our partners and the international community will also show their commitment to sustainable fisheries.”
Today’s proposal complements the proposal made on 27 September 2011 for fish stocks in the Atlantic and the North Sea, for which the EU decides autonomously (IP/11/1081). Both proposals will be discussed at the Fisheries Council meeting in December.
