EU ministers agree on fishing catch limits for 2017

The negotiations were based on the Commission's proposals, presented by Commissioner Karmenu Vella. The EU's reformed Common Fisheries Policy aims to ensure that by 2020 at the latest, all stocks are fished at levels that allow the fishing industry to take the highest amount of fish from the sea while keeping fish stocks healthy, known as maximum stainable yield (MSY). In 2009, only 5 stocks had catches set at MSY. Yesterday's agreement will bring 44 stocks to MSY levels. Commenting on the outcome of the Council, Commissioner Karmenu Vella said: "Today we have taken another important step towards sustainable fisheries, a core objective of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. I am proud to say that our push for healthy fish stocks is starting to pay off: following years of disciplined fisheries policy, scientists this year advised increasing catch limits for several stocks in the Atlantic and North Sea. This is encouraging, and shows that sustainability really does get fishermen the best deal." Evidence indicates that effective conservation policies and economic profitability go hand in hand. The economic performance of the EU fleet has improved considerably, from a loss-making position in 2008 to generating increasingly higher net profits over the past 3 years. This increased profitability is very much driven by the increase in the amount of stocks being fished sustainably.

Full remarks by Commissioner Vella at the press conference and details of the agreement are available.