Press Release: Commission adopts innovative plan to protect anchovy stock in Bay of Biscay

On 29 July, 2009, the European Commission adopted a proposal proposal for a long-term plan to manage the anchovy stock in the Bay of Biscay. The aim of the plan is to maintain the stock at a level that allows it to be exploited sustainably, while at the same time delivering stability and profitability for the fishing sector. Since anchovy is a short-lived species, the plan is based on a simple rule for setting annual fishing possibilities on the basis of scientific advice received just before the fishing season should open on 1 July each year. This approach has been promoted by stakeholders, and should considerably facilitate the management of the fishery and reduce uncertainty for fishermen.

European Commission: MEMO/09/354: Long-term management plan for anchovy in the Bay of Biscay: questions and answers http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/09/354&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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