Chapter 13: Fisheries and Aquaculture

COMMON FISHERIES POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is implemented in the European Union (EU) in line with the main objectives of ensuring the economic, social and environmental sustainability of fishing activities and providing healthy and affordable food to consumers. The policy also aims to create a dynamic fisheries sector and ensure a fair standard of living for those who make a living from fishing activities.

In the 1970s, rules on fisheries were adopted under the Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the CFP was implemented for the first time in 1983 as a policy independent from the CAP. Common Fisheries Policy rules are periodically reformed in line with current developments and emerging challenges. Following the 1992 and 2002 reforms, current rules determined within the framework of the latest CFP reform entered into force on 1 January 2014.

The EU Common Fisheries Policy mainly consists of the policy areas of Fisheries Management, Fisheries Control, Structural Policies, Common Market Organisation and External Relations.

Fisheries Management aims to ensure the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks and the fair allocation of these stocks among Member States. In this context, Union fishing vessels have equal access to EU waters, with certain exceptions, such as the territorial waters of Member States.

One of the main measures taken for a sustainable sector within the scope of the CFP is reducing overfishing pressure on fish stocks and maintaining them at levels that allow natural replenishment. In line with the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach adopted for this purpose, the maximum amount that can be fished in EU waters without harming fish stocks is determined using scientific methods.

Fishing opportunities which are based on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) calculated in line with MSY levels, are allocated to Member States as fishing quotas according to their historical catch records for specific fish stocks. Member States are responsible for managing these quotas and preventing overfishing.

One of the Union-wide measures taken to promote sustainable fisheries is the limitation of fishing effort. In this context, actions such as restricting the time spent at sea by fleets operating in EU waters, limiting fishing gear and engine power, and reducing fleet size are implemented.

The landing obligation, introduced under the 2013 reform of the CFP, has been gradually implemented since 2015. It requires fishers to land all catches of regulated fish caught in EU waters, including unwanted by-catch and fish below minimum size, rather than discarding them at sea. The measure aims to protect fish stocks, minimize waste, and promote ecosystem-based fisheries management by encouraging more selective fishing practices and improving the accuracy of catch data.

In order to bring decision-making processes in fisheries management in the EU closer to local actors and coastal Member States, the ‘regionalisation’ approach is adopted, moving away from the central Brussels-oriented decision-making model and thus establishing a more flexible and participatory governance structure that takes into account the unique ecological and socio-economic conditions of different sea basins such as the Baltic, Mediterranean and North Sea. Within the framework of the regionalisation approach, the relevant Member States can submit joint proposals to the Commission to respond to regional needs, thereby enabling more efficient management of resources and strengthening cooperation among Member States.

"Under the EU’s structural policies, support for fisheries activities are provided through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). This fund provides targeted support in line with key priorities: promoting environmentally sustainable fishing and aquaculture, enhancing the competitiveness of the EU fisheries sector, and improving social conditions for fishers.

Under the Common Market Organisation (CMO) rules, which form part of the EU's marketing policy, provisions are set for areas such as common marketing standards for fishery products, market measures, and the recognition and responsibilities of producer organisations. These producer organisations, established within this framework and active in the EU fisheries sector, play a key role in implementing measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks.

With regard to external relations, the EU participates in various international organisations and concludes agreements with third countries to prevent overfishing - particularly by combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing-, to cooperate on fisheries management and to support sustainable development.

CONTENT OF THE CHAPTER

Fisheries and Aquaculture Chapter consists of rules on management of aquatic resources and fishing fleet, inspection and control, structural actions for those operating in the sector and in this context the management of the The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, implementation of common marketing standards, and recognition and roles of producer organisations. In determining these rules, stock assessment activities on the current state of the resources and reliable data collection on the sector are of great importance.

In the context of the Chapter, it is also important to establish the administrative structures for the implementation of the provisions of the legislation under the chapter. In addition, with the legislative amendments made in recent years, detailed rules on the effective control of fisheries activities have been adopted not only for Member States but also for third countries exporting fishery products to the EU.

STATE OF PLAY IN THE CHAPTER

The explanatory meeting of Chapter 13 was held on 21 February 2006 and the Country Session took place on 31 March 2007. Part of screening report which based on data was sent to Türkiye by the Commission. Turkish contribution for the report prepared under the coordination of what was then Secretariat General for EU Affairs was sent to the Commission on 12 December 2007. Consultations on screening report is still ongoing in the Council. The Council decision dated 11 December 2006 on non-discriminatory application of Additional Protocol to Ankara Agreement to all Member States is a pre-condition for opening Chapter 13 to negotiations.

STUDIES CONDUCTED WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE CHAPTER

Although the Chapter 13 has not yet been opened for negotiations and the possible opening benchmarks have not yet been delivered to Türkiye by the EU, legislative harmonisation and institutional capacity building activities within the scope of the chapter continue.

In order to protect living marine resources and to ensure the regular functioning of the market, inspection activities are carried out continuously by authorised institutions within the scope of combating illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

In addition, the close cooperation with the EU in the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), to which Türkiye and the European Union are parties, creates an important cooperation area for the steps to be taken within the scope of the Chapter negotiations.

SUB-COMMITTEE NO.1 ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

Sub-Committee No.1 on Agriculture and Fisheries is one of the sub-committees established based on the Decision 3/2000 of TR-EC Association Council on 11 April 2000.  Harmonization of national legislation with the EU acquis, the progress achieved in the fulfilment of opening and closing benchmarks, and planned activities in the coming period regarding Chapters 11, 12 and 13 are discussed in the Sub-Committee meetings. Directorate for EU Affairs is responsible for the coordination of all studies carried out in the scope of the Sub-Committee and cooperation between the relevant institutions.

USEFUL LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHAPTER 13

• More information about EU Common Fisheries Policy:

https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp_en

• More information about the regulation framework of the Common Fisheries Policy:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/summary/chapter/maritime_affairs_and_fisheries/0206.html?root=0206

• Relevant Commissioner in the European Commission:

Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries

https://commission.europa.eu/about/organisation/college-commissioners/costas-kadis_en

• Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE)

Click for the website

TÜRKİYE-EU FINANCIAL COOPERATION PROJECTS

Projects which have been implementing under IPA II (2014-2020) Programme: