EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 16.9.2024

COM(2024) 408 final

2024/0225(NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL REGULATION

on fixing the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2025

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

•Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

•Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

The proposed measures are consistent with the objectives and rules of the CFP.

•Consistency with other Union policies

2.LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY

•Legal basis

•Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)

•Proportionality

•Choice of the instrument

3.RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

•Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation

•Stakeholder consultations

•Collection and use of expertise

•Impact assessment

•Regulatory fitness and simplification

•Fundamental rights

The proposal respects fundamental rights and in particular those recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

4.BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

5.OTHER ELEMENTS

•Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements

•Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal

A.Implementation of the western Mediterranean multiannual management plan

Under the multiannual plan for demersal fisheries in the western Mediterranean, the Council is to set a maximum allowable fishing effort for trawl vessels exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean, for each fishing effort group, by Member State and for the stock group\s in Annex I to that plan.

In addition, the plan sets out targets and measures for the long-term management of stocks covered by it. From 2025 onwards, the multiannual management plan enters its long term phase where MSY ranges apply, according to Articles 4 and 6. Therefore, the fishing opportunities for 2025 will follow the new ranges provided by STECF and that will be used for the evaluation of the management options in order to produce the most recent scientific advice.

Furthermore, in order to promote the use of selective gears and to establish efficient closure areas to protect juveniles and spawners, this proposal maintains the compensation mechanism first established in 2022, while defining the specific details once the most recent STECF advice becomes available.

B.GFCM measures applicable in the Mediterranean Sea

–maximum fleet capacity and a freeze of fish aggregating devices (FADs) per vessel, as well as maximum catch limits for common dolphinfish in the entire Mediterranean Sea (GFCM geographical subareas (GSAs) 1 to 27);

–maximum catch limits for deep-water rose shrimp, and maximum allowable fishing effort and fleet capacity for hake in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12 to 16); 

–maximum fleet capacity and catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12 to 16), the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19 to 21) and the Levant Sea (GSAs 24 to 27);

–maximum level of catches and maximum number of longlines and handlines for blackspot seabrem in the Alboran Sea (GSAs 1 to 3);

–maximum levels of catches for anchovy and sardine and measures for small pelagic stocks under the 2021 GFCM multiannual management plan for small pelagic species in the Adriatic Sea (GSAs 17 and 18). 

The Commission proposes to continue in 2025 the implementation of the provisions of the plan. As in 2024, the Commission proposes to continue the implementation of the fleet capacity ceiling for purse seiners and pelagic trawlers targeting small pelagic stocks. This capacity ceiling is based on the capacity reported to the GFCM in 2014.

–measures for demersal stocks under the 2019 GFCM multiannual management plan for demersal species in the Adriatic Sea (GSAs 17 and 18):

At its upcoming annual meeting in November 2024, the GFCM is due to adopt a new recommendation to reduce for 2025 the fishing effort for otter-trawlers (OTB) and for beam-trawlers (TBB). The proposed maximum fleet capacity is in line with the capacity reported to GFCM for either 2025 or the average 2015-2017.

–The proposal includes a series of placeholders, for stocks where the GFCM transitional measures are expiring at the end of 2024 and for which the GFCM should adopt new measures at its upcoming annual meeting(e.g. European eel, red coral andAdriatic small pelagics species).

Once the upcoming annual meeting of the GFCM takes place, the proposal will be updated by means of a Commission services’ non-paper.

C.GFCM measures applicable in the Black Sea

–an autonomous quota for sprat, based on scientific advice; 

–the TAC and quota allocation for turbot under the 2017 GFCM multiannual management plan for turbot fisheries, implementing Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3 (GSA 29).

Regarding the levels of the TAC and quotas for turbot, the proposal will be updated by means of a Commission services’ non-paper.

Measures functionally linked to the fishing opportunities (e.g. spawning closures), are part of this proposal, because without such closure periods (such as for turbot in the Black Sea), the fishing opportunities could not be established at the same levels. The extent of the closure periods may vary, depending on the state of the stock as assessed by the scientific advice.

Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 7 lays down further conditions for year-to-year management of fishing opportunities. Articles 3 and 4 of that Regulation provide for year-to-year flexibility provisions for stocks subject to precautionary and analytical TACs, respectively. Under Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96, the Council is, when fixing TACs, to decide which stocks will not be subject to Articles 3 and 4 of that Regulation, in particular on the basis of the biological status of the stocks.

Article 15(9) of the CFP Basic Regulation also lays down a year-to-year flexibility mechanism for all stocks that are subject to the landing obligation. However, in order to avoid excessive flexibility that would undermine the achievement of the CFP objectives, Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 and Article 15(9) of the CFP Basic Regulation should not apply cumulatively.

2024/0225 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL REGULATION

on fixing the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2025

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)The Council is to adopt measures on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, including certain conditions functionally linked to those fishing opportunities, as appropriate. Under Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, fishing opportunities are to be fixed in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy (CFP) set out in Article 2(2) of that Regulation. Under Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, fishing opportunities are to be allocated among the Member States so as to ensure the relative stability of fishing activities of each Member State for each fish stock or fishery.

(2)The fishing opportunities should therefore be established in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, on the basis of available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socio-economic aspects, while ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors and in the light of opinions expressed during the consultation of stakeholders. Moreover, fishing opportunities are to be expressed as maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners and fixed in accordance with the fishing effort regime laid down in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, as well as maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) and giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in deep waters, in accordance with scientific advice and with Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

(3)Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council 8  established a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea. That plan sets out targets and measures for the long-term conservation and sustainable exploitation of stocks covered by it. This includes measures to reach and maintain the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for target stocks, ensuring that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the MSY.

(4)In accordance with Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, fishing opportunities for stocks listed in Article 1(2) of that Regulation (target stocks) are to be fixed to achieve fishing mortality at MSY on a progressive, incremental basis by 2020 where possible, and by 1 January 2025 at the latest.

(5)Fishing opportunities for stocks listed in Article 1(2) of that Regulation (target stocks) should be fixed in accordance with the range of fishing mortality values resulting in maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (ranges of FMSY), or at a lower level, and in accordance with the safeguards provided for in that Regulation. The ranges of FMSY are set out in the relevant STECF advice. Where no adequate scientific information is available, fishing opportunities for stocks referred to in Article 1(2) or Article 1(3) of that Regulation (by-catch stocks) should be fixed in accordance with the precautionary approach to fisheries management, in accordance with Article 4(6) of that Regulation.

(6)[placeholder for the maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers in the western Mediterranean Sea]

(7)[placeholder for the maximum allowable fishing effort of longliners]

(8)[placeholder for the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7]

(9)[placeholder for the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11]

(10)[placeholder for or 2025, the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11] 

(11)In order to promote the use of selective gears and to establish efficient closure areas to protect juveniles and spawners, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/110 established a compensation mechanism in relation to the effort regime for trawlers. [placeholder compensation mechanism]

(12)At its 46th annual meeting in 2023, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/14 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea (geographical subareas 1 to 27). That Recommendation introduced, consistent with the precautionary approach and for the transitional period of 2024 to 2026, a fleet capacity ceiling, a freeze of fish aggregating devices (FADs) capacity per vessel and a catch limit. For recreational fisheries, Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/14 further provided that a daily bag limit is to be observed. Those measures were implemented in Union law for 2024 by Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 9 and those measures should continue to be implemented in Union law for 2026. Those measures are without prejudice to the management measures that will be proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee within GFCM for the long-term management plan for the period 2027–2031.

(13)At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced from 2022 to 2029 a maximum level of catches and a related fleet capacity ceiling for purse seiners and pelagic trawlers targeting small pelagics. Those measures that relate to 2025 should be implemented in Union law.

(14)[Placeholder for new measures on Adriatic small pelagics]

(15)At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a fishing effort regime and a fleet capacity ceiling for certain demersal stocks. Those measures that relate to 2025 should be implemented in Union law.

(16)[Placeholder for new measures on Adriatic demersals]

(17)Taking into account the particularities of the Slovenian fleet and its marginal impact on the stocks of small pelagic and demersal stocks, and in accordance with paragraph 33 of Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 and paragraph 13 of Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5, it is appropriate to preserve existing fishing patterns and to ensure access by the Slovenian fleet to a minimum quantity of small pelagic species and a minimum effort allocation for demersal stocks.

(18)At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (geographical subareas 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/12 and GFCM/42/2018/5. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4 introduced an effort regime for hake (Merluccius merluccius) and catch limits for deep-water rose shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris), as well as a fishing capacity freeze. For 2025, that Recommendation provides for a freeze in the fishing effort at the level of 2024 and a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for deep-water rose shrimps. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for deep-water rose shrimp fixed by Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259.

(19)At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (geographical subareas 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/7 and GFCM/43/2019/6. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. For 2025, that Recommendation provides for a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp fixed by Regulation (EU) 2024/259.

(20)At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (geographical subareas 19 to 21), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/8 and GFCM/42/2018/4. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. For 2025, that Recommendation provides for a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp fixed by Regulation (EU) 2024/259.

(21)At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (geographical subareas 24 to 27), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/8 and GFCM/42/2018/4. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. For 2025, that Recommendation provides for a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp fixed by Regulation (EU) 2024/259.

(22)At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/3 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea (geographical subareas 1 to 3), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/4, GFCM/43/2019/2 and GFCM/41/2017/2. Those measures should be implemented in Union law. 

(23)[placeholder for new measures for blackspot seabream]

(24)At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3 amending Recommendation GFCM/41/2017/4 on a multiannual management plan for turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) fisheries in the Black Sea (GFCM geographical subarea 29). Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3 introduced an updated regional total allowable catch (TAC) and a quota allocation scheme for turbot, as well as further conservation measures, in particular a two-month closure period and a limitation of fishing days to 180 days per year. In accordance with Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3, those further conservation measures are functionally linked to the fishing opportunities, as, without those measures in place, the TAC level for turbot would have to be reduced to ensure its recovery. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(25)[Placeholder for new measures on turbot]

(26)[Placeholder for carry-over of the unused Union quota for turbot]

(27)Based on the scientific advice provided by the GFCM Working Group for the Black Sea, the current level of fishing mortality of sprat (Sprattus sprattus) should be maintained to ensure the sustainability of sprat stocks in the Black Sea. It is therefore appropriate to continue setting an autonomous quota for this stock.

(28)The use of fishing opportunities available to Union fishing vessels set out in this Regulation is subject to Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 10 , and in particular to Articles 33 and 34 thereof concerning the recording of catches and fishing effort and the notification of data on the exhaustion of fishing opportunities. It is therefore necessary to specify the codes to be used by Member States when sending the Commission data on landings of stocks subject to this Regulation.

(29)Articles 3 and 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 11  provides for additional conditions for the year-to-year management for TACs and quotas for both precautionary and analytical stocks. Under Article 2 of that Regulation, when establishing TACs, the Council is to decide which stocks Articles 3 and 4 of that Regulation are not to apply, in particular on the basis of the biological status of stocks. Moreover, Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides for further year-to-year flexibility for all stocks that are subject to the landing obligation. In order to avoid excessive flexibility that would undermine the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, and cause the biological status of stocks to deteriorate, year-to-year flexibility for quotas pursuant to Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 and Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 should not apply cumulatively. Finally, year-to-year flexibility under Article 15(9) of the Basic Regulation should, where relevant, be excluded on the basis of the biological status of stocks.

(30)In order to avoid the interruption of fishing activities and to ensure the livelihood of Union fishers, this Regulation should apply from 1 January 2025. For reasons of urgency, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

TITLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1
Scope

1.This Regulation applies to Union fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and exploiting the following fish stocks:

(a)European eel (Anguilla anguilla), red coral (Corallium rubrum) and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea;

(b)blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the western Mediterranean Sea;

(c)anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the Adriatic Sea;

(d)European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), common sole (Solea solea), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the Adriatic Sea;

(e)European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in the Strait of Sicily;

(f)giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Strait of Sicily, in the Ionian Sea and in the Levant Sea;

(g)blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alborean Sea;

(h)sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea.

2.This Regulation also applies to other Union fishing activities, including recreational fisheries, where they are expressly referred to in the relevant provisions.

Article 2
Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the definitions laid down in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 apply. In addition, the following definitions apply:

(i)‘international waters’ means waters falling outside the sovereignty or jurisdiction of any State;

(j)‘recreational fisheries’ means non-commercial fishing activities exploiting marine living aquatic resources for recreation, tourism or sport;

(k)‘total allowable catch’ (TAC) means:

(a)in fisheries subject to the exemption of the landing obligation referred to in Article 15(4) to (7) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the quantity of fish that can be landed from each stock each year;

(b)in all other fisheries, the quantity of fish that can be caught from each stock over the period of a year;

(l)‘quota’ means a proportion of the TAC allocated to the Union or a Member State;

(m)‘Union autonomous quota’ means a catch limit autonomously allocated to Union fishing vessels in the absence of an agreed TAC;

(n)‘analytical quota’ means a Union autonomous quota for which an analytical assessment is available;

(o)‘analytical assessment’ means a quantitative evaluation of trends in a given stock, based on data about the stock’s biology and exploitation, which scientific review has indicated to be of sufficient quality to provide scientific advice on options for future catches;

(p)‘fish aggregating device’ (FAD) means any anchored equipment floating on the sea surface with the objective of attracting fish.

Article 3
Fishing zones

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following fishing zone definitions apply:

(a)‘GFCM geographical subareas’ mean the areas specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124 of the European Parliament and of the Council 12 ;

(b)‘Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(c)‘western Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(d)‘Adriatic Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(e)‘Strait of Sicily’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(f)‘Ionian Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 19, 20 and 21 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(g)‘Levant Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 24, 25, 26 and 27 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(h)‘Alboran Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2 and 3 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;

(i)‘Black Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subarea 29 specified in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124.

TITLE II

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS

CHAPTER I

Mediterranean Sea

Article 4
European eel

[placeholder]

Article 5
Red coral

[Placeholder]

Article 6
Common dolphinfish

1. This Article applies to all commercial pelagic fishing activities by Union fishing vessels targeting common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea. It also applies to recreational fisheries of common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and gross tonnage (GT), of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish shall be limited as set out in Annex II, point (a).

3. The maximum number of FADs per vessel authorised to fish for common dolphinfish shall be limited as set out in Annex II, point (b).

4. The maximum level of catches of common dolphinfish shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex II, point (c).

5. For recreational fisheries, the maximum number of catches shall be limited to 10 kg or five fish of any size per person per day.

CHAPTER II

Western Mediterranean Sea

Article 7
Demersal stocks

1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching demersal stocks referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 in the western Mediterranean Sea.

2. The maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners shall be limited as set out in Annex III, point 1. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 and Articles 26 to 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

3. The maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimps in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion shall be limited as set out in Annex III, point 2(a).

4. The maximum catch limits for deep-waters shrimps in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island shall be limited as set out in Annex III, point 2(b).

5. The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States as set out in Annex III shall be without prejudice to:

(a)exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;

(b)deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;

(c)additional landings allowed under Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;

(d)quantities withheld in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or transferred under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;

(e)deductions made pursuant to Articles 105, 106 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Article 8
Compensation mechanism

[Placeholder]

Article 9
Data recording and transmission

1. Member States shall record and transmit the fishing effort data to the Commission in accordance with Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 and Articles 146c, 146d and 146e of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011. 13   

2. When Member States submit to the Commission data relating to fishing effort pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, they shall use the fishing effort group codes set out in Annex III.

CHAPTER III

Adriatic Sea

Article 10
Small pelagic stocks

1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Adriatic Sea.

2. The maximum level of catches of sardine and anchovy shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex IV, point 1(a).

3. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in kW, GT and number, of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagic stocks shall be limited as set out in Annex IV, point 1(b).

4. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

Article 11
Demersal stocks

1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), common sole (Solea solea), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the Adriatic Sea.

2. The maximum allowable fishing effort for those demersal stocks and the maximum fleet capacity within the scope of this Article shall be limited as set out in Annex IV, point 2(a) and (b).

3. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Article 12
Data transmission

When Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings and fishing effort pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, they shall use the stock codes and fishing effort group codes set out in Annex IV.

CHAPTER IV

Strait of Sicily

Article 13
European hake and deep-water rose shrimp

1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in the Strait of Sicily.

2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks within the scope of this Article shall be limited as set out in Annex V, point 1(a).

3. The maximum allowable fishing effort for European hake (in number of fishing days), for bottom otter-trawl vessels (OTB) targeting European hake shall be limited as set out in Annex V, point 1(b).

4. The maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex V, point 1(c).

5. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Article 14
Deep-water shrimps

1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Strait of Sicily.

2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish the demersal stocks within the scope of this Article shall be limited as set out in Annex V, point 2(a).

3. The maximum level of catches of deep-water shrimps shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex V, point 2(b) and (c).

Article 15
Data transmission

When Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings of quantities of stocks caught pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex V.

CHAPTER V

Ionian Sea and Levant Sea

Article 16
Deep-water shrimps

1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Ionian Sea and in the Levant Sea.

2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for deep water shrimp stock referred to in this Article shall be limited as set out in Annex VI, point 1(a) and 2(a).

3. The maximum level of catches of deep-water shrimps referred to in this Article shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VI, point 1(b) and (c) and point 2(b) and (c).

CHAPTER VI

Alboran Sea

Article 17
Blackspot seabream

1. This Article applies to all commercial and recreational fishing activities catching blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) with longlines and handlines by Union fishing vessels in the Alboran Sea.

2. The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VII, point (a).

3. The maximum number of longliners and handlines authorised to fish for blackspot seabream shall be limited as set out in Annex VII, point (b).

4. For recreational fishing activities, the maximum number of catches shall be limited to one fish per fisher per day. The minimum conservation reference size of 40 cm for blackspot seabream shall apply to recreational fisheries in the Alboran Sea. Recreational fishing for that species shall be prohibited during the closure period of commercial fisheries set at national level.

CHAPTER VII

Black Sea

Article 18
Sprat

1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Black Sea.

2. The Union autonomous quota for sprat shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VIII.

3. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

Article 19
Turbot

1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea.

2. The TAC for turbot applicable in Union waters in the Black Sea, the allocation of such TAC among Member States and the conditions functionally linked thereto, where appropriate, are set out in Annex VIII.

3. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

Article 20
Management of fishing effort for turbot

Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for turbot within the scope of Article 19, irrespective of the vessels’ length overall, shall not exceed 180 fishing days per year.

Article 21
Closure period for turbot

It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels to carry out any fishing activity, including transhipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale of turbot in Union waters in the Black Sea from 15 April to 15 June.

Article 22
Special provisions on allocations of fishing opportunities in the Black Sea

The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States as set out in Annex VIII shall be without prejudice to:

(a)exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;

(b)deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;

(c)deductions made pursuant to Articles 105 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Article 23
Data transmission

When Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings of quantities of stocks of sprat and turbot caught in Union waters in the Black Sea pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex VIII of this Regulation.

TITLE III

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 24
Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

(1)    Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 22), .ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1380/oj

(2)    Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea and amending Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 1), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1022/oj.

(3)    Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1224/oj.

(4)    Council Regulation (EU) 2022/110 of 27 January 2022 fixing for 2022 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (OJ L 21, 31.1.2022, p. 165), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/110/oj.

(5)    Council Regulation (EU) 2023/195 of 30 January 2023 fixing for 2023 the fishing opportunities for certain stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/110 as regards the fishing opportunities for 2022 applicable in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas (OJ L 28, 31.1.2023, p. 220), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/195/oj.

(6)    Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/259/oj ).

(7)    Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 of 6 May 1996 introducing additional conditions for year-to-year management of TACs and quotas (OJ L 115, 9.5.1996, p. 3), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1996/847/oj. 

(8)    Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea and amending Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 1), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1022/oj

(9)    Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/259/oj ).

(10)    Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1).

(11)    Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 of 6 May 1996 introducing additional conditions for year-to-year management of TACs and quotas (OJ L 115, 9.5.1996, p. 3). 

(12)    Regulation (EU) 2023/2124 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 October 2023 on certain provisions for fishing in the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Agreement area (recast) (OJ L, 2023/2124, 12.10.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2124/oj ).

(13)    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (OJ L 112 30.4.2011, p. 1), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2011/404/oj .

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 16.9.2024

COM(2024) 408 final

ANNEXES

to the Proposal for a

COUNCIL REGULATION

on fixing the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2025

ANNEX I

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RED CORAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable number of fishing authorisations and the maximum level of harvested quantities of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea.

Reference to fishing zones are references to the GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:

Table 1

Maximum number of fishing authorisations (1)

Table 2

Maximum level of harvested quantities expressed in kilograms live weight

(*1)  Representing number of vessels or divers, or both, or a pair of one diver with one vessel, authorised to harvest red coral.

ANNEX II

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON DOLPHINFISH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number, kW and GT of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea and the maximum level of catches.

References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:

(a) Maximum fleet capacity of vessels targeting common dolphinfish by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27)

(b) Maximum number of FADs per vessel authorised to target common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27)

(c) Maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight caught in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27)  

ANNEX III

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DEMERSAL STOCKS IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by stock groups, as defined in Article 2, point (13), of Regulation (EU) No 2019/1022, maximum catch limits and overall length of vessels for all types of trawls 11 and demersal longliners fishing for demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea.

All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 and Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) 1224/2009.

Reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:

1.    Maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days)

2.    Maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimps

ANNEX IV

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

The tables in this Annex set out the fishing opportunities by stock or vessel effort groups and, where appropriate, the conditions functionally linked thereto, including the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagics.

All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names is provided:

1. Small pelagic stocks – GSAs 17 and 18

(a) Maximum level of catches expressed in tonnes live weight

(*) Concerning Slovenia, the quantities are based on the level of catches made in 2014, up to an amount that should not exceed 300 tonnes.

(b) Maximum fleet capacity of trawlers and purse seiners actively fishing for small pelagics

(*) The provision under paragraph 28 of GFCM/44/2021/20 shall not apply to national fleets of less than 10 purse seiners or pelagic trawlers actively fishing for small pelagic stocks, as recorded both in national and GFCM registers in 2014. In such case, the capacity of the active fleet may increase by not more than 50 % in number of vessels and in terms of gross tonnage (GT), gross registered tonnage (GRT) and kW.

2. Demersal stocks – GSAs 17 and 18

(a) Maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by types of trawls and fleet segment fishing for demersal stocks in GSAs 17 and 18 (Adriatic Sea).

(*) Slovenia shall not exceed the effort limit of 3 000 fishing days per year in accordance with paragraph 13 of GFCM/43/2019/5.

(b) Maximum fleet capacity of bottom trawler and beam trawl vessels authorised for fishing demersal stocks

(*) The provisions of paragraphs 9(c) and 28 of GFCM/43/2019/5 shall not apply to national fleets operating with trawls (OTB) and fishing for less than 1 000 days during the reference period mentioned in paragraph 9(c). The fishing capacity of the active fleet operating with trawls (OTB) shall not increase by more than 50 percent with respect to the reference period. 

ANNEX V

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY

The tables in this Annex set out the fishing opportunities by stock or vessels effort groups and, where appropriate, the conditions functionally linked thereto, including the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish demersal species and deep-water shrimps.

All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names is provided:

1. Demersal Stocks

(a) Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16)

(b) Maximum level of fishing effort (in number of fishing days), for bottom otter-trawl vessels (OTB) targeting European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16)

(c) Maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight

2. Deep-water shrimps

(a) Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13 14, 15 and 16)

(b) Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight

(c) Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight

ANNEX VI

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE IONIAN SEA AND THE LEVANT SEA

The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks in the Ionian Sea and the Levant Sea. References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:

1. Ionian Sea

(a) Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21)

(b) Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight

(c) Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight

2. Levant Sea

(a) Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawler vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27)

(b) Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight

(c) Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight

ANNEX VII

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ALBORAN SEA

(a) Maximum level of catches carried out by longlines and handlines, expressed in tonnes live weight

(b) Maximum number of longlines and handlines authorised for fishing in Alboran Sea (GSAs 1, 2 and 3)

ANNEX VIII

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE BLACK SEA

The tables in this Annex set out TACs and quotas expressed in tonnes live weight by stock and, where appropriate, conditions functionally linked thereto.

All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

Reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.

For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names is provided:

(1)  No fishing activity, including transhipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale, shall be permitted from 15 April to 15 June 2025.

(1) 1    TBB, OTB, PTB, TBN, TBS, TB, OTM, PTM, TMS, TM, OTT, OT, PT, TX, OTP and TSP.