Press Release: Joe Borg: Fisheries scientific advice points to need to deepen long-term management approach

A first outline of scientific advice prepared by the Advisory Committee on Fisheries Management (AFCM) of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has been released, 16 October 2006. Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, commented “While, clearly, much remains to be done to deepen and extend our long-term approach to fisheries management, there are some positive elements in this news which should be welcomed. First, it shows that our long-term approach to the management of EU fisheries is starting to bear some fruit. Second, it underlines the benefits derived from the growing participation of stakeholders in the scientific process. This should encourage us all to redouble our efforts to reverse the decline in our fisheries and to move gradually towards sustainable catches and a stable fishing sector”.