Some EU fish stocks recovering - report

European Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner Joe Borg yesterday welcomed a report by fish scientists highlighting progress in the recovery of some of the EU's main fish stocks.

The EU has over the past years launched a massive effort to protect certain fish stocks, particularly in its northern seas.

According to the 22 international scientists of the Advisory Committee on Fishery Management (ACFM), although the overall status of fish stocks has not changed much from 2005 to 2006, sustainable exploitation can be stated for Norwegian Spring Spawning herring, and there are indications of recovery of the Northern hake stock.

The scientists have noted that there are still numerous stocks that are too heavily fished and stocks that are depleted - notably cod stocks and sandeel in the North Sea.

Excerpts of the report, issued yesterday in Brussels point to other positive developments.

"The traditional gap between scientists and the fishing industry in the evaluation of the state of stocks is closing due to more active involvement of fisheries' representatives and other stakeholders with scientific experts."

EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg welcomed the news, saying the report shows that the EU's efforts are leaving their mark.

"While, clearly, much remains to be done to deepen and extend our long-term approach to fisheries management, there are some positive elements in this important report which should be welcomed. First, it shows that our long-term approach to the management of EU fisheries is starting to bear some fruit.

"Second, it underlines the benefits derived from the growing participation of stakeholders in the scientific process. This should encourage us all to redouble our efforts to reverse the decline in our fisheries and to move gradually towards sustainable catches and a stable fishing sector", Dr Borg said in a statement issued by the Commission.

The experts' report will be examined in detail by the Commission's own advisory committee, the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries.

The Commission said that it will aim to table its proposal for the 2007 quotas late next month or early December, for discussion at the December Council of Fisheries Ministers. Proposals on next year's fishing possibilities for Baltic Sea fish stocks and for deep-sea species have already been tabled.