Several multiannual management plans adopted in recent years, and in particular the plans for Western Waters and the Western Mediterranean, include provisions on recreational fisheries. Furthermore, the legislation specifies that ‘the Council may set non-discriminatory limits for recreational fishermen’ on the basis of a Commission proposal.

What is the Commission’s interpretation of ‘non-discriminatory’ in this context? The regulation refers to environmental, social and economic criteria.

How does the Commission evaluate ‘the societal importance of that activity and its contribution to the economy in coastal areas’ for the purposes of making proposals for limits applicable to recreational fishermen?

Does the Commission have enough data on recreational fisheries and their socio-economic importance to ensure a non-discriminatory approach?