Coordination Group (For Biodiversity and Nature)

Coordination group (for Biodiversity and Nature) 27 June 2008

Progress in relation to fisheries and marine issues of the BAP under the responsibility of MARE.

We have been asked to update this group on progress in relation to fisheries and marine issues of the BAP under the responsibility of MARE. As you all know, since the last meeting of the Biodiversity Expert Group, our DG has been restructured and has become DG MARE. We are now in charge of maritime affairs as well as fisheries. This new approach to our work aims to improve coordination and consistency in the regulation of sectors that are closely linked to the sea, such as tourism, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and human exploitation. The restructure also promotes a regionalization of the policy, of the structural funds and of the consultation process with stakeholders through the Regional Advisory Councils. The new structure is more in line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

From the fisheries side, as explained in previous meetings, we understand that the key to biodiversity conservation is to reduce the pressure on the system. Therefore we continue our work within the framework of the CFP to bring about a significant reduction of the overall fishing pressure towards sustainable levels. You will find all the details on the measures we are taking to this end in the updated Biodiversity Action Plan.

Further to the above, I would like to highlight the most recent developments on the fisheries side that are relevant to biodiversity conservation.

First of all I would like to refer to the Communication on "The role of the CFP in implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Marine Management" which was adopted last April. The Communication demonstrates how the CFP links to the implementation of an ecosystem approach to marine management. It shows in particular how measures taken under the CFP in the future will be guided by an ecosystem approach as an overarching principle.

I would also like to mention recent developments regarding our contribution to the extension of the Natura 2000 network to the marine environment. Following a request by MSs we have drafted, together with DG ENV, a guidance document on the steps that MSs should follow when presenting a request for fisheries management measures as part of the conservation measures proposed for Natura 2000 marine sites. This document has been drafted on the basis of applicable provisions and recent experience. It is not legally binding and it is intended to be regularly updated as necessary. Since the beginning of June it is available in our web page as well as in DG ENV's webpage. Recently we have been working on the requests from Ireland (last year) and from the Netherlands (this year) for the implementation of fisheries measures in candidate Natura 2000 marine sites in waters under their jurisdiction. We are currently working on a proposal for measures for a site in Spanish waters. We expect more requests in the next few months, as coastal MSs are in the process of designating their marine Natura 2000 areas.

Our proposal for a reviewed Technical Measures Regulation includes important measures for the protection of the environment and to reduce discards. The forthcoming reform of the Fisheries Enforcement and Control Policy also contributes towards biodiversity conservation.

The Council adopted earlier this year the new Framework for Data Collection which includes the obligation for MSs to collect environmental data, which will greatly enhance our scientific understanding of the current environmental pressures on the marine biodiversity. In regards to the most recent Council decisions early this week, I'm happy to report that the Fisheries Council unanimously adopted the Commission's proposals on both the fight against illegal fishing and the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas. These represent important steps towards biodiversity protection, not just for the EU, but for the international community as a whole. It also closes an important loophole in international maritime governance, in line with our commitments to the United Nations.

Also recently, the Commission decided on emergency measures to close the Mediterranean and East Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery early for all purse seiners in order to avoid anticipated overfishing of the specie and to secure its long term survival. It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the stock is protected and that the measures agreed upon to recover the stock are fully respected and implemented.

We have now started preliminary work towards the further reform of the CFP that will be implemented in 2012. This is the right time to take stock of what has been achieved and it is our responsibility to define a new policy that should be more efficient in integrating biodiversity concerns.