Press Release: Commission launches debate on how best to measure fishing capacity and effort

The European Commission published a Communication on 5 February 2007 aimed at launching a debate on improving fishing capacity and effort indicators for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). At present, capacity is measured in terms of the gross tonnage (GT) of a vessel, and the propulsive power of its engines (kW), while fishing effort is expressed in the number of days vessels spend at sea. While the GT system for assessing overall fleet capacity is satisfactory, there are significant flaws in the current method for certifying engine power which need to be remedied. Alternatives indicators such as the type or size of gear used are discussed and the Commission proposes an action plan comprising case studies, consultation and pilot projects, to investigate this approach further.

European Commission: COM (2007)39 http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/publications/factsheets/legal_texts/com_07_39_en.pdf

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