Multi-annual plan for western Mediterranean demersal fisheries

Briefing 13-06-2018

The development of a multiannual plan as the preferred policy choice seems rather pre-determined, as such plans are a priority measure for the sustainable management of fish stocks under the current CFP. The description of the impacts of the options provides certain quantitative data. However, not enough details are given in the impact assessment on the financial impacts on the fishermen and the fleets, including broken-down information per country, or on ancillary jobs, such as servicing the vessels or sale of fish. The Regulatory Scrutiny Board also criticises the impact assessment for the lack of a dedicated territorial impact assessment. A more detailed and thorough analysis of the impacts on SMEs would have benefited the analysis, as the majority of the fishing sector in the fishing areas covered by this proposal is SMEs.