We can only achieve sustainable fisheries and healthy ocean ecosystems in the European Union if the Common Fisheries Policy is implemented and the rules followed. The fisheries Control Regulation is the cornerstone of the EU fisheries control and monitoring system. However, it is an outdated regulation which does not provide for the development of fully documented fisheries in the EU and is silent on transparency issues. This document presents the NGO priorities on the revision of the EU Fisheries Control System.
It calls on decision-makers to:
- Introduce Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) requirements to enable fully documented fisheries
- Adapt the general control framework to the control of technical measures;
- Maintain and improve the EU legal framework for enforcement and sanctions;
- Mandate the use of cost-efficient tracking devices and the electronic reporting of catches and fishing operations for small-scale vessels;
- Improve the control of recreational fisheries;
- Improve traceability requirements;
- Improve data management and sharing;
- Ensure the monitoring and control of fleet capacity;
- Effectively control fishing in restricted and marine protected areas;
- Introduce transparency requirements;
- Minimise the amendments to the EU IUU Regulation by staying within the scope of the Commission’s proposal and by strengthening only those provisions opened for review;
- Revise the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) mandate.
Our Fish is a member of the EU Fisheries Control Coalition, including The Environmental Justice Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Oceana, Seas At Risk, WWF, ClientEarth, The Fisheries Secretariat, and Sciaena. This coalition is working to ensure that fisheries management in the EU safeguards ocean health and marine life for generations to come. A robust Control Regulation is essential for sustainable fisheries. It will ensure that fisheries activities are fully documented and bring transparency to our seafood supply chains.
Download: Joint NGO priorities on the revision of the EU Fisheries Control System (pdf)
For more information: 5 priorities of the EU Fisheries Control Coalition
EU Fisheries Control System factsheets:
Fisheries control issues are presented in more detail in the following factsheets:
- Remote Electronic Monitoring: Securing Compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy ;
- Without effective sanctions the Control Regulation has no purpose ;
- Traceability Requirements for Seafood Products;
- Transparency as a key tool to monitor the implementation of EU fisheries control rules.
- Digitisation of the catch certification scheme of the IUU Regulation
- An expanded and stronger international mandate for EFCA
- Small Scale Fisheries: Managing Small Scale Vessels
Watch this short film on electronic monitoring »