Overhauling fisheries technical measures

Briefing 20-02-2017

Technical measures in fisheries govern the different fishing practices that can be used to catch fish, as well as the areas and seasons for fishing. Aimed at limiting unwanted catches or at reducing the impacts of fishing on nature, EU technical measures in fisheries have, over time, developed into a complex set of prescriptive measures, which do not fully achieve their objectives. The European Commission finalised, on 11 March 2016, a long-awaited proposal to overhaul a number of existing rules and to establish a new legislative framework in this domain. It would provide measures of general application in all seas, and would also set a new approach on governance and delegation of powers for the development of regional approaches. The Commission estimates that this new regulation would contribute to reaching CFP objectives, notably on delivering maximum sustainable yield for fish stocks, with positive socio-economic and environmental impacts. The Parliament's Committee on Fisheries is to vote on its report on the proposed new framework before the summer. Second edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. To view the earlier edition of this briefing, please see: PE 579.102, 18 March 2016.