Scientific , Technical And Economic Committee For Fisheries Research Articles

Turbot Survivability, Catches and Gillnet-Caused Injuries. Scientific Support for the Exemption from the Landing Obligation in EU Black Sea Countries

The European Common Fisheries Policy aims to gradually eliminate discards in all European Union fisheries through the introduction of a landing obligation for all catches of species subject to catch limits (turbot and sprat for the Black Sea). In 2016, the Commission established a discard plan for turbot fisheries in the Black Sea, that provided for a survivability exemption of turbot caught with bottom-set gillnets, applied from 1 January 2017 until 31 December 2019. Subsequently, Romania and Bulgaria submitted an updated Joint Recommendation to the Commission, requesting the renewal of the discard plan and the survivability exemption based on the high survival rates of this species. The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) acknowledged the existence of data demonstrating the high survivability of turbot caught by vessels from non-EU countries using the same gears, however they requested that Member States concerned should submit additional data on survival estimates relating to the gillnet fishery for turbot. In this context, NIMRD “Grigore Antipa“ was commissioned by the Romanian National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFA) to perform a pilot study aiming at obtaining scientific evidence for the exemption of turbot from the landing obligation, carried-out during January-April 2022. Scientific fishing was performed in the Romanian marine area with specialized gears - turbot gillnets on board of NIMRD’s boat. The methodology consisted of launching the gillnets in established locations and recovering them after a soaking time depending on weather conditions. After each operation to recover the nets from the water, all turbot specimens caught were retained on board, parked in a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) container filled with seawater and equipped with an aeration system. The specimens were kept in the tank for 1 hour, during which time they were monitored from the point of view of their condition (dead, alive, injuries, other negative effects produced by the fishing gear). Subsequently, all turbot specimens declared viable were released back into the sea. The results indicate high survivability rates of turbot caught in gillnets (81.67%). Some injuries were reported in the dead specimens, probably caused by the mechanical action of the gear.

Evolution of EU technical measures for the avoidance of unwanted catch in the light of scientific evaluation and advice from the STECF; the good, the bad, and the ugly

AbstractThe EU deploys technical measures (TMs) to avoid unwanted catches—here, overquota catches and juveniles of commercial species—including gear specifications and closures. In 2012, the European Commission had asked its advisory committee, Scientific, Technical, and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), to evaluate the TMs and provide recommendations for improvement. In 2012–2013, STECF judged that the TMs had failed to achieve their objectives and identified approaches for improvement: (1) regionalization and move away from top-down management; (2) bottom-up results-based management to internalize the costs to the resource into individual businesses; and (3) abandon threshold percentages of bycatch leading to perverse incentives. In 2014, the new EU Common Fisheries Policy came in force, with a landing obligation (LO), and regionalization. In 2019, the new TM regulation (TMR) came in force. Besides sets of regional baseline measures, the TMR allows for regional proposals for amendments and results-based bottom-up approaches (“the good”). However, the LO is not enforced, therefore, not providing the incentive for change in fishing practices; and despite avoidance strategies being available regional, innovative bottom-up practices are still rare (“the bad”). TMs still contain threshold percentages (“the ugly”). The onus for bottom-up initiatives is on the industry, although new governance structures are needed to facilitate this.

The Mediterranean fishery management: A call for shifting the current paradigm from duplication to synergy

Independence of science and best available science are fundamental pillars of the UN-FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries and are also applied to the European Union (EU) Common Fishery Policy (CFP), with the overarching objective being the sustainable exploitation of the fisheries resources. CFP is developed by DG MARE, the department of the European Commission responsible for EU policy on maritime affairs and fisheries, which has the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) as consultant body. In the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (FAO-GFCM), with its own Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (GFCM-SAC), plays a critical role in fisheries governance, having the authority to adopt binding recommendations for fisheries conservation and management. During the last years, advice on the status of the main stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Sea has been provided both by GFCM-SAC and EU-STECF, often without a clear coordination and a lack of shared rules and practices. This has led in the past to: i) duplications of the advice on the status of the stocks thus adding confusion in the management process and, ii) a continuous managers’ interference in the scientific process by DG MARE officials hindering its transparency and independence. Thus, it is imperative that this stalemate is rapidly resolved and that the free role of science in Mediterranean fisheries assessment and management is urgently restored to assure the sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean marine resources in the future.

Локальный перелов черноморского шпрота (Sprattus sprattus: Clupeidae, Pisces) и внутривидовая дифференциация

Черноморский шпрот (Sprattus sprattus) принадлежит к числу наиболее многочисленных видов рыб в Азово-Черноморском бассейне и является промысловым объектом во всех причерноморских странах. Его вылов достигает 100 тыс. тонн. Мониторинг состояния популяции и выявление факторов риска в условиях роста интенсивности промысла и изменения климата являются актуальными задачами. Предмет исследования данной статьи — оценка воздействия промысла на состояние популяции черноморского шпрота и определение перспективы дальнейшей эксплуатации его промыслового запаса. В основу публикации положены результаты собственных исследований и материалы ежегодных отчётов Научно-технического и экономического комитета по рыболовству (STECF) Европейской комиссии. Изучена многолетняя (2003–2013) динамика интегральных показателей размерно-возрастной структуры (средней длины и среднего возраста) и вылова шпрота из двух близких по климатическим условиям географических регионов — Крымского и Западного (шельф Болгарии и Румынии). Лов шпрота в обоих регионах производили с помощью разноглубинных тралов в зоне шельфа в придонном слое воды. Во всех расчётах использована стандартная длина (SL), выраженная в см. Установлены межрегиональные отличия показателей размерно-возрастной структуры и условий промысла. В Крымском регионе средняя длина шпрота изменялась от 5,57 до 6,85 см, среднемноголетняя — 6,43 см. Межгодовая амплитуда колебаний достигала 20 %. Средний возраст изменялся от 0,9 до 1,57 года, среднемноголетний составил 1,4 года. Установлены отрицательные тренды средней длины и среднего возраста, свидетельствующие об ухудшении состояния популяции в целом и её промыслового качества в частности. Годовой вылов шпрота изменялся от 11,4 до 24,8 тыс. т, среднемноголетний составил 16,09 тыс. т. Межгодовая амплитуда колебаний — более 2,2 раза. Установлена сопряжённость межгодовых колебаний высоких уловов и низких значений средней длины и среднего возраста, смещённых относительно вылова на один год вперёд, а также показана тесная отрицательная связь между ними (r = -0,81, p < 0,01 и r = -0,82, p < 0,01). В Западном регионе, в отличие от Крымского, шпрот более крупный. Его средняя длина изменялась от 7,24 до 7,62 см, среднемноголетняя — 7,46 см. Межгодовая амплитуда колебаний менее 5 % указывает на стабильное состояние популяции. Годовой вылов шпрота изменялся от 2,77 до 4,64 тыс. т, при этом уровень промысловой нагрузки на популяцию не превышал предельно допустимого. Среднемноголетний вылов составил 3,75 тыс. т, что в 4,3 раза ниже, чем в Крымском регионе. Связь между выловом и средней длиной шпрота, смещённой на один год вперёд, отсутствует (r = -0,27, p > 0,15). Локальный перелов шпрота в Крымском регионе в сочетании с многолетней, последовательно прогрессирующей деградацией состояния популяции следует рассматривать как косвенный показатель структурированности промыслового запаса, предполагающий внутривидовую дифференциацию. Данный вывод носит предварительный характер, необходимы дальнейшие исследования.

Evolution of Future Black Sea Fish Stocks under Changing Environmental and Climatic Conditions

Here we present a case study towards producing quantitative scientific advice on the application of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in the Black Sea. We provide estimates of fishing mortality rates at levels which will lead to rebuilding and maintaining stocks above biomass levels that could produce maximum sustainable yield (MSY) under the IPCC RCP4.5 future climate scenario together with the business as usual (BAU) river discharge scenario. In this study, we have implemented a coupled, basin-scale circulation-biogeochemical model and used its output to feed a food web model to test near-future changes that may be observed in the Black Sea ecosystem under the influence of contemporary fisheries exploitation conditions. In order to test model response to changes in climate and related drivers, the future climate scenario (2015-2020) simulation was compared to the present day (2000-2014) simulation. Likewise, to test the sensitivity of the higher trophic level food web model to changes in fishing pressure, a future estimate of fishing pressure was projected based on its respective contemporary value and applied to each fish stock. Using these models, fishing mortality rates that could produce the maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) in future years 2015-2020 and ensure the long-term recovery of the predatory fish stocks of the Black Sea are predicted. Future projections suggest that all fish stock will decrease in all the regions of the Black Sea except for sprat. Anchovy is expected to show the highest decrease in biomass. Analyses on FMSY estimates show that a significant reduction in fisheries exploitation is required for the sustainable management of the Black Sea ecosystems and the related services. This study, for the first time, presents future stock size, FMSY and MSY estimates for the Black Sea for 11 fish species. FMSY values are generally lower than estimates of the scientific, technical and economic committee for fisheries (STECF), mainly because of the explicit food web interactions that the modeling system allows to be considered.

Географическая изменчивость размерно-возрастной структуры черноморского шпрота Sprattus sprattus phalericus (Risso) (Pisces: Clupeidae) и его внутривидовая дифференциация

Исследования внутривидовой дифференциации черноморского шпрота Sprattus sprattus phalericus являются основой для научного обоснования рационального использования его ресурсного потенциала. Данная работа посвящена изучению пространственной изменчивости размерно-возрастной структуры шпрота как популяционнно-специфического показателя, отражающего его внутривидовую биологическую структурированность. В работе использованы наряду с собственными данными материалы Научно-технического и экономического комитета по рыболовству (STECF) Европейской комиссии. Впервые установлены различия многолетней (2007–2012) динамики и межгодовой изменчивости размерно-возрастной структуры шпрота в разных географических регионах Чёрного моря (прибрежные воды Крыма Болгарии и Румынии, Турции). Показано, что основным фактором, определяющим межрегиональную биологическую разнокачественность шпрота, являются разные условия его эксплуатации, что ставит под сомнение концепцию единого промыслового запаса.

Recent experience with effort management in Europe: Implications for mixed fisheries

This study addresses a common assumption in fisheries science: that partial fishing mortality is directly proportional to fishing effort. It is important to challenge this a priori sensible assumption, as it is also built into many models and tools used by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to help provide advice and conserve fish stocks. Here we test this assumption at scales relevant to management using catch and effort data from the EC Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), together with mean fishing mortality estimates from ICES. We focus on the eight predominant fishing gear types in the North Sea, and for each gear, test how effort is related to partial fishing mortality exerted by each gear on their main target species. For many gear types, the relationships found were not inconsistent with the assumption being tested, although in many cases there was also no significant pattern between fishing mortality and effort. Fishing mortality-effort relationships can be complex, as exemplified by the frequent lack of significant relationships in mixed demersal fisheries. The relationship between fishing mortality and effort can also vary over time, particularly in response to changes in catchability, producing patterns that can be difficult to uncover. These factors may significantly affect the impact management strategies may have on stocks and fleets. As tools are developed to provide mixed fisheries advice, we encourage efforts that help understand the implications of assumptions made for management strategies.

Estimating the economic performance of the EU aquaculture sector

Despite the growing importance and high priority assigned by the EU policy makers to the development of aquaculture, little attention has been given to analyze the economic performance of the sector at EU level. Recently, the profitability of the EU aquaculture sector has been estimated by the European Commission’s Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). However, the few studies that have estimated the profitability of the EU aquaculture sector show sometimes divergent results. In this paper, the economic performance of the EU aquaculture sector is analyzed by country, segment and main species for the years 2006, 2009 and 2010 using financial and accounting data extracted from the Amadeus database and results are compared to other studies. This analysis helps to understand the methodological differences between the diverse sources. Moreover, this alternative methodology offers a simpler and faster alternative to the STECF’s profitability estimates of the aquaculture sector. The analysis indicates that after the economic downturn, companies started to recover profits in 2010 in almost all segments and countries, and that the highest profitability is recorded by companies in the marine segment as compared to freshwater and shellfish.

Assessment of balance indicators for key fleet segments and review of national reports on member states efforts to achieve balance between fleet capacity and fishing opportunities (STECF-15-02)

The Expert Working Group meeting of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries EWG-13-16 on Review of national reports on Member States efforts to achieve balance between fleet capacity and fishing opportunities was from September 29 – October 4, 2013 in Edinburgh. The report was reviewed and endorsed by the STECF during its plenary meeting held from4 to 8 November 2013 in Brussels (Belgium). How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details bysending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. L B -N A -2340-E N -N As the Commission’s in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre’s mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new standards, methods and tools, and sharing and transferring its know-how to the Member States and international community. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) has been established by the European Commission. The STECF is being consulted at regular intervals on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of living aquatic resources, including biological, economic, environmental, social and technical considerations.

Lessons from the long-term management plan for northern hake: could the economic assessment have accepted it?

Abstract Da Rocha, J-M., and Gutiérrez, M-J. 2011. Lessons from the long-term management plan for northern hake: could the economic assessment have accepted it? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1937–1941. An economic working group was convened by the EU's Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) in 2007 to evaluate the potential economic consequences of the long-term management plan for the northern hake (Merluccius merluccius) stock. An analysis of all the scenarios proposed by the biological assessment using the Economic Interpretation of ACFM Advice (EIAA) model showed that F at the status quo level was the best policy for both yield and profits, in terms of net present values. This result is counter-intuitive because it seems to suggest that effort costs do not influence economic indicators, whereas it is widely accepted that including costs negatively affects economic indicators. A dynamic age-structured model is applied to northern hake and shows that the optimal fishing mortality that maximizes the net present value of profits is <Fmax. The reason why the EIAA analysis was biased towards scenarios with F > Fmax is also shown.

Improving the quality of information on Scottish anglerfish fisheries: making use of fishers' data

Abstract Dobby, H., Allan, L., Harding, M., Laurenson, C. H., and McLay, H. A. 2008. Improving the quality of information on Scottish anglerfish fisheries: making use of fishers’ data. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1334–1345. In recent years, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group on the Assessment of Northern Shelf Demersal Stocks has been unable to provide an analytical assessment for anglerfish. One of the reasons for this has been the poor quality of the commercial catch-and-effort data, with ICES and the European Commission’s Scientific, Technical, and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) stressing the need for reliable information on which to base estimates of stock status. In response, and following consultation with the fishing industry, an anglerfish tallybook project was implemented in Scotland as part of a long-term approach to providing better data. Tallybooks are completed on a haul-by-haul basis. Skippers record catches of anglerfish (by size category) and other species where possible, together with information on haul location, duration, and depth. Individual vessel catch rates are calculated and used to provide insights into temporal trends in the stock and the spatial distribution of the fishery. The history of the fishery and management advice are summarized, and an overview of the tallybook project is provided. Catch rates are analysed using a generalized additive modelling approach which incorporates seasonal, annual, spatial, and vessel-dependent effects. The results show increased catch rates between 2006 and 2007.