Written by Irina Popescu (1st edition),

© zaferkizilkaya / Shutterstock

On 30 May 2018, the European Commission issued a proposal to revise the fisheries control system by modernising and simplifying the monitoring of fisheries activities, improving the enforcement and updating a control system that was conceived before the 2013 CFP reform. The revision centres on the amendment of the Control Regulation 1224/2009. The proposal introduces requirements for more complete fisheries data, including an electronic tracking system for all fishing vessels, fully digitised reporting of catches with electronic logbooks and landing declarations applicable to all vessels, and catch-declaration rules for recreational fisheries. It improves traceability through digitalised identification and declaration along the supply chain for all fishery and aquaculture products, whether from EU fisheries or imported. The enforcement rules are thoroughly revised, with a common list of activities defined as serious infringements and corresponding sanctions, as well as a strengthened point system. The proposal also revises the mandate of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), to fully align its objectives with the CFP and to upgrade its inspection powers, and Regulation 1005/2008 on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, to introduce a digital catch certification scheme for imported fishery products.

Versions

Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, and amending Council Regulations (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 1967/2006, (EC) No 1005/2008, and Regulation (EU) No 2016/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards fisheries control
Committee responsible: Fisheries (PECH) COM(2018) 368, 30.5.2018.
Rapporteur: Clara Aguilera (S&D, Spain) 2018/0193(COD)
Shadow rapporteurs: Francisco José Millán Mon (EPP, Spain)
Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (Renew, Spain)
Grace O’Sullivan (Greens/EFA, Ireland)
Rosanna Conte (ID, Italy)
Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR, Netherlands)
João Ferreira (GUE/NGL, Portugal)		 Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’)
Next steps expected: Publication of new draft report by rapporteur for new parliamentary term

Stage: EESC