Commission discusses fisheries package with Advisory Councils

Today, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries presented the fisheries package adopted on 21 February 2023 to the Advisory Councils. As representatives of the industry and of other interest groups, Advisory Councils give recommendations on fisheries management matters to the EU and EU countries. All organisations received an invitation to join forces and take action to implement the new measures.

Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Charlina Vitcheva said:

This is a fantastic opportunity for Advisory Councils to contribute to shaping fisheries and aquaculture. It is time to join the Pact for Fisheries and Oceans to develop a more modern, resilient and sustainable future for the sector.

The Commission calls on stakeholders to join the Pact for Fisheries and Oceans, a new phase of cooperation in which all parties share in the vision and adaptation of the future of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Ms Vitcheva encouraged Advisory Councils to support regional groups by providing relevant opinions, advice, and data. Cooperation among stakeholders is essential to ensure a profitable and efficient sector, while addressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, the energy transition, and climate change.

On this occasion, Ms Vitcheva also announced the creation of a new working group to focus on the implementation of the Marine Action Plan. This new committee will gather Member States’ fisheries and environmental authorities, with stakeholder representatives as observers. Advisory Councils will play an important role in implementation of the Action Plan, especially when establishing roadmaps, and developing joint recommendations.

Advisory Councils’ knowledge and experience will also be key in discussing and driving the Energy Transition Partnership. It will bring together all stakeholders to address the challenges of the sector’s energy transition. Ms Vitcheva also thanked the Markets Advisory Council for providing recommendations for the report on the Common Market Organisation for fisheries and aquaculture products.

Background

Advisory Councils are stakeholder-led organisations that provide the Commission and EU countries with recommendations on fisheries management matters. This may include advice on conservation and socio-economic aspects of management, as well as simplification of rules. Given their broad representation, Advisory Councils are ideal bodies for consultation and gathering of information and experience.

Advisory Councils are composed of representatives from the industry and from other interest groups (with a 60% - 40% allocation of the seats in the general assembly and the executive committee). They receive EU financial assistance as bodies pursuing an aim of general European interest.

More information

Advisory Councils

Fisheries policy package adopted on 21 February 2023

Factsheet - Actions for sustainable and resilient fisheries, aquaculture and marine ecosystems