CFPO 2009 December Council Outcome Statement

Dear Member

DECEMBER 2009 FISHERIES COUNCIL

The December Fisheries Council finished during Tuesday 15 December in Brussels, when the TACs and quotas for 2009 were finally agreed. The negotiations took place against the usual background of extreme proposals from the Commission for big reductions in a number key TACs and quotas for the CFPO.

Days at Sea:

Extension of the Commission’s disastrous days at sea restrictions were once again successfully resisted during 2009. The Trevose Closure remains in place for 2010 from 1 February to 31 March.

TACs:

Rollover TACs were secured for a number of important Area VII stocks for the CFPO including; Megrim, Haddock VIIb-k, Sole VIIfg and Cod VIIe-k. These were achieved against the Commissions original position of significant cuts across all of these stocks.

Increases in the Monk TAC by15%, the Hake TAC by 7% and Plaice VIIfg by 7% were offset by extremely disappointing outcomes on number of stocks under the ‘use it or lose it’ approach taken by the Commission. Pollack, Saithe, Sole and Plaice VIIhjk were all reduced by 10%. These were high on the Ministers negotiating priorities but the improvement from 15% cuts to 10% was a massive disappointment.

The Sole VIIe TAC was reduced by 5% and the Plaice de TAC by 8% despites strong arguments both scientific and political being deployed.

There will be no landing of any Porbeagles next year. This applies to all member states not just UK. There is no sense or logic in this outcome and it defies belief. The situation with Spurdog is not much better with a 90% reduction in TAC being agreed and a clear intention to move towards zero landings in 2011. Skate and Undulate Ray landings remain prohibited and the Ray TAC was reduced by 15%.  The UK Minister and negotiating team were made fully aware of all the arguments and implications of such an outcome on these stocks but he delivered nothing except cosmetic measures that will only increase discards and do nothing for conservation.

The December negotiations are becoming increasingly difficult with an ever growing political and green influence. However the CFPO and the NFFO team in Brussels deployed every scientific, economic and political argument at our disposal. Where successful this has been in part, at least, due to the work done by the NFFO, CFPO and its members through the FSP and the improved working relationship with scientists and policy makers.

At the beginning of these negotiations we made it clear the outcome would be judged as a package from our perspective and clearly the outcome overall was disappointing.

The CFPO has already begun talks with DEFRA and other member states to secure additional quota through international and domestic swaps and transfers in an effort to maximise fishing opportunities for 2010.

A list of TAC and quota changes is attached for information. This is subject to amendment following post Council clarifications.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Paul Trebilcock

Chief Executive