Press Release: Commission opens the discussion on fishing possibilities for 2010

On 12 May, 2009, the European Commission presented its views on how to set fishing possibilities in EU waters for 2010. A consultation document sets out the approach the Commission intends to take when setting the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and the fishing effort limitations for the coming year. The Commission pointed out that slow progress has been made in stock recovery since the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. One of the reasons for this is that fishing opportunities consistently have been set at levels which were too high for the fish stocks to sustain. As a result, more than 80% of EU stocks are now overfished, compared with a global average of 28%. On the other hand, several long-term plans have been implemented successfully, generating signs of stock recovery. The Commission therefore proposed greater flexibility in changing TACs from year to year, to enable more effective recovery measures for overexploited stocks. Member States and stakeholders are invited to present their views on the Commission's approach by 31 July. The Commission will then make formal proposals in the autumn to be adopted by Council before the end of the year.