The European Parliament has approved a long-term plan for the management of anchovy stock in the Bay of Biscay. New rules set the level of total allowable catches and distribute quotas between France and Spain. The information revealed that it is a multi-annual plan for the exploitation of Atlantic horse mackerel, authorised changes in use of alien species in aquaculture and gave their consent to the EU-Solomon Islands fisheries agreement.
The Biscay fishing grounds were closed in 2005 which had a serious socio-economic impact on the region and led to a substantial increase in the exploitation of other species in the area. MEPs therefore backed the regulation proposed by the Commission laying down new rules which, based on scientific advice by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), would establish a form of harvest control in order to ensure the stability of the stock.
Under new rules total allowable catches (TAC) will be calculated on the basis of current Spawning Biomass as estimated by the STECF in May-June each year, with quotas being distributed between France and Spain. It is mandatory for the master vessel carrying more than one tonne of anchovy to notify the authorities of their flag Member State at least one hour prior to the estimated time of their arrival in any port.
MEPs believe vigilance is needed about species other than anchovy being reported as anchovy and vice versa. Rapporteur Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE, ES) explained that, despite her reservations about the final text, she would support the report since not having a long-term plan would only harm the sector.
MEPs also discussed a multi-annual plan for the western stock of Atlantic Horse Mackerel. The plan, which is based on scientific advice (STECF) and derives from the Plan of Implementation adopted at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002, seeks to ensure that the exploitation of the Atlantic Horse Mackerel is guided towards maximum sustainable yield.
