Multiannual plan for North Sea demersal fisheries

Briefing 20-09-2018

The European Parliament and Council have adopted a new multiannual plan to manage fisheries in the North Sea and some adjacent maritime areas. The plan covers demersal species (i.e. species living close to the sea bottom). These stocks are exploited by various fishing fleets using various fishing gear, but often catching different species together (mixed fisheries). The North Sea demersal fisheries are conducted by several thousand EU vessels, mainly from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and represent over 70 % of EU catches in this area. The plan introduces new rules on how the catch limits for each stock must be set, so that it is fished sustainably. The ranges within which the catch limits are set are based on the best available scientific advice, and updated regularly to take account of the most recent data. The plan also contains safeguard measures to restore stocks when they fall below safe biological limits, and sets a framework for improved cooperation between the Member States concerned at sea-regional level. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Jean Weissenberger. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. To view earlier editions of this briefing, please see: PE 621.885, May 2018.