Press Release: Commission presents its approach to 2008 fish quotas

The European Commission has adopted its annual policy statement setting out its views on fishing opportunities for 2008. Since the general principles outlined in 2006 remain the same (IP/06/1198), this year's Communication focuses on a review of the achievement of conservation measures implemented since the 2002 Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. While some long-term plans have begun to show positive results, most stocks remain outside safe biological limits, creating a high-risk situation for both the stocks concerned and the fishing industry. The main reason for this problem is that the total allowable catches (TACs) agreed each year in Council are much higher than those recommended by scientists. The Commission is therefore calling for more serious efforts in both TACs and fishing effort management in order to put European fisheries back on a truly sustainable footing. The Commission invites stakeholders and Member States to examine the issues raised in this Communication carefully, and to submit their contributions by 31 July 2007.