Control obligations for fishing vessels

Subject: Control obligations for fishing vessels

With regard to the control of fishing activity, can the Commission provide up-to-date information on the obligations being introduced for fishing vessels in this area, particularly where they involve electronic monitoring and reporting (EMR) and closed‑circuit television (CCTV)? When are those obligations expected to be fulfilled by and which vessels do they apply to? What specific provisions and/or derogations are in place for small‑scale fishing?

Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission (27 March 2020)

In its proposal for a revised fishery control system (1), the Commission proposed to equip with remote electronic monitoring (REM) systems, including Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTV), those vessels considered at higher risk of non-complying with the landing obligation. The percentage of vessels to be equipped would be established at regional level based on fleet segments and their risks.

Currently, vessels less than 10 metres (2) are completely exempted from catch reporting, while vessels between 10 and 12 metres are exempted from electronic reporting. Vessel’s tracking is currently required only for vessels above 12 metres. Other derogations apply to vessels between 12 and 15 metres upon certain conditions established by the legislation. All these derogations significantly weaken the reliability of catch data, undermine the ability of competent authorities to control fishing activities and potentially undermine the objectives of the common fisheries policy.

The proposal for a revised fishery control system intends to redress this deficiency by requiring all vessels to be subject to tracking systems and their masters to report their catches by using digital tools, such as mobile phones in the case of small vessels. This will ensure better accountability of the quantities caught, while facilitating better management and control.

Adequate financial support for both REM systems and digital tools for small-scale vessels is ensured in the proposal for a new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (3) with an aid intensity of up to 100%.

The Commission proposal for a revised fishery control system foresees the new rules to be applied two years after their entry into force. The proposal is currently under examination by the co-legislator.

⋅1∙ COM(2018) 368 final

⋅2∙ Those vessels account for around 80% of the U nion fishing fleet

⋅3∙ COM(2018) 390 final, currently under examination by the co-legislator