The EU’s common fisheries policy and the Commission’s annual proposals for fishing opportunities are based on the best available scientific evidence. Scientific advice for fisheries management relies on data, collected primarily under the data collection framework (DCF) (Regulation (EU) 2017/1004).
In a recent report, the Commission assesses the implementation and functioning of DCF. The report presents the main players, tools and activities covered by the legislation since 2017. It stresses the operations and important features of the DCF, such as the end-user driven approach and the importance of the regionalisation of data collection. It also provides details on the level of implementation of the DCF.
The DCF sets out a harmonised approach for collection of biological, environmental, technical and socio-economic data by EU countries for the fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors. Article 23 stipulates that the Commission shall submit a report on the implementation and functioning of the regulation to the European Parliament and the Council.
The report concludes that DCF provides the appropriate structure, tools and flexibility for data collection in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, allowing them to respond to new challenges. The focus for the coming years should be on continued cooperation with EU countries and at regional level on solidifying the implementation of the regulation, including on addressing upcoming challenges (such as on sensitive species), addressing evolving data needs (as identified by end-users), streamlining and simplifying processes, and improving methods (such as integrating results of pilot studies and regional grants). The renewal of the delegated and implementing legislation beyond 2021 will play an important role in this process.
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Details
- Publication date
- 26 October 2020
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries