EFCA: Administrative Board elects Chairperson and adopts 2021 Annual Report

The Administrative Board of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) has elected Fabrizio Donatella, Director of Fisheries Policy Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic and Outermost Regions at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, as its new Chairman. The Board has also adopted EFCA’s 2021 Annual Report.

2021 was an outstanding year for EFCA. The agency resumed its primary role, organising operational coordination of fisheries control and inspection activities by EU Member States. In 2021, all six Joint Deployment Plans (NAFO/NEAFC, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Western Waters, Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic) were carried out as planned, despite special COVID-19 measures and protocols. EFCA also contributed to the EU coast guard cooperation through the tripartite working agreement (TW) with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and Frontex.

Background

EFCA is a European Union agency that promotes the highest common standards for the control, inspection and surveillance under the common fisheries policy (CFP). EFCA was established to organise operational coordination activities by Member States and to assist their cooperation in complying with the rules and ensuring their effective and uniform application.

The agency contributes to sustainable fisheries by enhancing compliance with conservation and management measures and ensuring a level playing field for the EU fishing industry.

The Administrative Board is EFCA’s governing and controlling body. It is composed of six European Commission members and one representative per Member State. The Board holds meetings at least once a year.

More information

EFCA’s press release