The BSAC Executive Committee Tuesday 8 th May 2018 The Danish Agriculture and Food Council Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, 1609 Copenhagen V.

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1 The BSAC Executive Committee Tuesday 8 th May 2018 The Danish Agriculture and Food Council Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, 1609 Copenhagen V Report The BSAC held its Executive Committee on 8 th May in Copenhagen at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council. Reine Johansson, the BSAC chair chaired the ExCom. He welcomed all the participants to Copenhagen. The meeting was attended by BSAC members, Member State representatives from Denmark, Germany and Sweden, by DG Mare and several observers and invited experts. 1. Welcome by the BSAC chair a) Apologies and adoption of the agenda The Secretary of the BSAC informed that there was a quorum for the meeting (and 24 votes represented). The list of apologies was attached to the list of participants (on the BSAC website). 1 The agenda was adopted without changes. Raised under AOB was a proposed focus group discussion on procedures and the return of tags in the framework of the cod tagging programme (raised by Lindsay Keenan, the Fisheries Secretariat). b) Adoption of the minutes from the last ExCom meeting (30th January 2018) There were no comments to the minutes. The ExCom adopted the minutes of the last meeting. c) Two ExCom members to check the minutes Wolfgang Albrecht (Association of Fisheries Protection) and Tapani Veistola (Finnish Association for Nature Conservation) agreed to check the minutes. 2. From the Secretariat and ExCom Chair a) Update on expenditure The Secretary of the BSAC stated that since the financial year has only just started, more information on expenditure will be provided at the next ExCom meeting. 1 (1)/ParticipantsListExCom080518FINAL.pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB 1

2 She informed the ExCom that the agreement with European Commission was signed and the 1 st instalment is expected soon. Expenditure was funded by Member State and member contributions. b) Annual BSAC report, financial statement for and final technical report to DG Mare The Secretary of the BSAC explained that the draft twelfth Annual report (Annex 1) follows the same pattern as in previous years and is the public record of BSAC activities and meetings held during the year. She explained that the financial statement for had been approved by the Auditor. She drew attention to a small overspend on interpreting, which would be covered from the reserve (approved by the Commission). She informed the ExCom that there had been only one request for additional compensation for small scale fishermen. She reminded the ExCom that the additional compensation scheme for small scale fishermen was tested in the framework of a one-year pilot project. She asked the ExCom whether it should be continued. A representative of the Danish fishermen stated that the additional compensation scheme should not be prolonged. He reminded that, as a matter of principle, the Danish fishermen had been against any preferential treatment of the fisheries sector and added that it is up to fishermen s organisations to give support to their members. Representatives of the Swedish and German fishermen said that their fisheries organisations also represent small scale fishermen; they could not understand the need to have a preferential financial scheme for small scale fishermen. An OIG representative noted that compensation should be granted to all active fishermen, as long as it does not affect the budget too much. A representative of small scale fishermen noted that the compensation scheme for small scale fishermen should be continued as it creates an opportunity for them to attend the BSAC meetings. Another representative of small scale fishermen stated that the interests of small and large scale fisheries are not always the same and for that reason, and not just for fun, special organisations had been founded to represent their interests, so the compensation scheme should be continued to secure the presence of the representatives of small scale fisheries and in line the intentions of the European Commission. The representative of the European Commission underlined that the European Commission strongly encourages all the ACs to provide additional compensation for small scale fishermen to secure their participation. Most of the ACs have already introduced such schemes on a permanent basis. An OIG representative said that the BSAC should consider the participation of small scale fishermen as an added value and should therefore continue to implement the compensation scheme. 2

3 The BSAC Secretary noted that the adopted budget for anticipates per diem support for 2 small scale fishermen in 9 meetings with the allocation of 2,250 Euros. She proposed to provide the per diem of 125 Euros, plus travel and hotel to one active small scale fisherman from each of the fisheries organisations to attend meetings during the year, in return for a signed declaration that s/he has not been able to fish on the day of the meeting. In total this would amount to 12,150 Euros. A representative of the Danish fishermen underlined his deep concern at the undemocratic, preferential treatment of any segment of the fishery. He underlined that fishermen participating in meetings are financed by their organisations. In principle, he was critical towards any organisation which refuses to share the burden. After some further debate, the ExCom decided by consensus to continue the compensation scheme for small scale fishermen. The Secretary explained that the draft Annual technical report (Annex 2a) is an internal document for the Commission. The Secretary encouraged the ExCom members to contribute with input to section E on general suggestions and comments. A representative of OIG proposed to highlight the co-operation with HELCOM under section B3: Collaboration with other partners. The Ex Com adopted both draft reports as well as the draft financial statement. The draft twelfth annual report and the draft financial statement were approved by the Ex Com for submission to the General Assembly. c) BSAC work programme and draft estimated operating budget The Secretary of the BSAC noted that the work programme and the draft estimated budget have already been adopted by the ExCom and approved by the Commission, but that the ExCom could propose amendments. The draft estimated budget had been amended to include two new members. With reference to interpretation, she added that once the allocation is fully used, the ExCom will be asked to take a decision on whether to apply for a budget amendment to the European Commission, to use any unused funds under other budget items; the Reserve cannot be earmarked for this. The ExCom adopted the work programme and the draft estimated budget for submission to the General Assembly. d) Decision on BSAC representative to the next EU-Russia bilateral meetings (invitation and date of meetings awaited) The ExCom Chair reminded the ExCom that the next EU-Russia bilateral meeting will take place in Russia, probably in July. He underlined that it is important for the BSAC to participate in these meetings to see if Russia is following all the arrangements. 3

4 The European Commission has kindly accepted the BSAC as an observer. He praised the performance of Krzysztof Stanuch at the last bilateral meeting. He asked the ExCom to decide who is going to represent the BSAC this year. The Honorary Chair underlined that the representative of the BSAC should have adequate knowledge on the historical arrangements on quota allocations with Russia under IBSFC. He therefore proposed Krzysztof Stanuch as the BSAC representative at the bilateral meeting. A representative of OIG noted that the Commission should be asked whether the BSAC could be represented by 2 representatives, one from the fisheries sector and one from OIG. A fisheries representative praised the performance of Krzysztof Stanuch at the last bilateral meeting and supported his candidature to represent the BSAC this year. He noted that the BSAC has only observer status at bilateral EU-Russia meetings and therefore there is no need to have a balanced representation of both groups of the BSAC. The representative of the Commission stated that the representation of the BSAC at bilateral EU-Russia meetings is not a question of principle, but rather of money, since the travel costs are considerable. The Honorary Chair noted that the discussion during the bilateral meetings focuses almost entirely on the TAC and quotas and not on environmental issues and in his view, to is more appropriate to send a fisheries representative, with adequate expertise on quota allocations. A representative of OIG appreciated the information provided on the bilateral EU-Russia meetings and asked to consider the possibility to have 2 representatives of the BSAC at the bilateral meetings in the future. The ExCom decided that the BSAC will be represented by Krzysztof Stanuch (Association of Fishermen s of Sea-PO) at this year s EU-Russia bilateral meeting. e) Baltic Sea Checkpoint project information from the BSAC chair The ExCom Chair reminded the ExCom that in 2016 the BSAC was asked by the European Commission to take part in the Baltic Sea Checkpoint project. The overall aim of this project is to examine the current data collection, observation, surveying, sampling and data assembly programmes in the Baltic Sea basin. The BSAC was engaged in the work dealing with the fisheries management and fisheries impact. The reports prepared by experts will be finalised and distributed. The Chair considered the project to be a step in the right direction to improve data collection. The ExCom took note of the project. 4

5 f) SCIPs (specific Control and Inspection Programmes): consultation of the Advisory Councils on the new SCIPs The ExCom Chair referred to the consultation on the SCIPs (specific Control and Inspection Programme). The aim of this consultation is to collect the views and opinions of Advisory Councils in order to inform the proposal of the Commission Implementing Decision establishing Specific Control and Inspection Programmes for certain pelagic and demersal fisheries in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Western Waters of North East Atlantic, East Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. The comments should be provided by 30 th June A representative from the fisheries group noted that the BSAC should hold a discussion before sending the comments to the SCIP. Some controversial issues require attention. To this end he proposed to discuss it at the next ExCom meeting, preceded by some preparatory work to formulate a written response. The representatives of OIG agreed that the consultation on the new SCIP requires a discussion. They recognised the importance of the issue. A drafting group could prepare a written answer on behalf of the BSAC. A representative from the fisheries group brought up the issue of CCTV as one of the controversial control measures referred to in the consultation. The Honorary Chair noted that such control measures as the CCTV should not be considered before introducing the new Technical Measures Regulation, with provisions permitting proper implementation of the landing obligation by means of more selective, alternative gears. Fishermen do not want to discard and should not be punished, when the existing legal framework obliges them to use gears which are not selective. The ExCom Chair stated that the consultation on the SCIPs requires serious discussions in the BSAC and he encouraged members to prepare a response well in advance. The fishermen s perspective on different control measures and problems encountered in the implementation of the landing obligation should be communicated to the Commission. The representative of the European Commission noted that all the ACs have been requested to give input on the new SCIPs. However, the experience from the Baltic on this issue is expected to be of utmost importance. The new SCIPs have to be adopted by the end of 2018, therefore the deadlines are tight. She asked the BSAC to initiate the discussion and prepare an answer before the summer break.. The ExCom decided to hold a meeting of the drafting group composed of Michael Andersen, Peter Breckling, Staffan Larsson, Anton Paulrud from the fisheries interests and Glenn Douglas, Nils Höglund, Lindsay Keenan and Justyna Zajchowska from the OIG, on 29 th May 2018 in Copenhagen, to discuss SCIPs and prepare an answer from the BSAC. It was decided that those unable to come to Copenhagen could join the meeting by Webex. 5

6 3. Report from European Fisheries Control Agency Advisory Board meeting 23rd March 2018, Brussels Staffan Larsson and Lindsay Keenan Staffan Larsson presented a report from the EFCA meeting held on 23 rd March in Brussels. He referred to the work done for the implementation of the Landing Obligation in the Baltic. He mentioned the seminar on selectivity held by the BSAC in November as well as the meeting with ICES on gear development planned for May He mentioned that the regional context is needed in the implementation of technical measures. Lindsay Keenan recognised the importance of the EFCA meeting. He referred to the fact that other Advisory Councils had a meeting prior to the EFCA meeting to prepare the input and suggested the BSAC would do the same before the next EFCA meeting. The ExCom took note of their report. 4. Proposal to create a working group to deal with recreational fisheries The ExCom Chair referred to the letter sent to the Danish BALTFISH Presidency about whether BALTFISH intends to deal with recreational fisheries. Following the workshop on recreational fisheries, organised together with the BALTFISH, the BSAC discussed how to continue the work on recreational fisheries and decided to ask BALTFISH on their engagement in the work on the management of recreational fisheries in the future. The establishment of a focus working group was considered, but not supported by all. The Chair invited the ExCom to discuss the proposal to create a working group on recreational fisheries. A representative from the fisheries group noted that the representatives of recreational fisheries should be asked whether there is a need to discuss the management of recreational fisheries in a separate working group. Another representative from the fisheries group added that the issue will certainly be discussed in the Demersal working group, with relation to cod. A representative of the European Anglers Alliance noted that he was ready to discuss the issue and come up with ideas to improve the management of recreational fisheries. He underlined that there is no need to establish a separate working group to discuss recreational fisheries. Sonja Feldthaus, representing the BALTFISH Presidency stated that BALTFISH had decided not to establish a working group on recreational fisheries, but to continue the discussion on an ad hoc basis. The ExCom decided not to create a working group to deal with recreational fisheries, but to deal with this, when required, within existing working groups. 6

7 5. Presentation: the Marelitt project by Marta Kalinowska WWF Poland Marta Kalinowska, WWF Poland, presented the progress made in the Marelitt project since January The main objective of MARELITT Baltic is to find a systemic solution to combat the Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG) problem in the Baltic Sea and introduce a safe and effective method for search and retrieval of DFG. The potential host areas i.e. where the nets can be found have been identified with the help of fishermen. The ghost net retrieval projects were initiated by WWF in She referred to the environmental impact assessment of retrieval operations prepared in the framework of the project. 3D sonars will be tested. She also noted that the results of the port reception facilities were published on the project s website. The project will produce a public GIS (Geographic Information Systems) map with hot spot areas as well as guidelines on effective search and retrieval methods. The project will end in June Post project plans include cost analysis of DFG search and retrieval. A representative of the fishermen asked about methodology and referred to the fact that the assessment of the scale of the problem of DFG communicated by Sweden was based on the wrong calculations and therefore the problem of lost nets could be overestimated. Another representative of fisheries suggested that most derelict gears come from the 1990s. At present fishermen are more efficient in collecting lost gears and every boat is equipped with a retrieval device. He said that although at present lost nets do not represent a major problem, the initiative to take them out of the sea should be praised. The representatives of OIG praised the project and said that the measures developed in the framework of the project could also be used in other countries, e.g. Finland. Replying to the question put forward by a representative of the fishermen, Marta Kalinowska referred to the fact that trawls constitute 60% and gillnets 40% of retrieved gears. She noted that the methodologies used in lost gear retrieval operations have been worked out by fishermen, who have the necessary practical knowledge. Marta Kalinowska s presentation is on the BSAC website Presentation: Modelling of Baltic Sea ecosystem and environment impacts due to changes in climate, nutrient load, fishing and predation pressures by Sieme Bossier and J. Rasmus Nielsen DTU Aqua, Denmark Sieme Bossier and J. Rasmus Nielsen DTU Aqua, Denmark presented the Baltic Atlantis model which gives an evaluation of ecosystem impacts of changes in climate, eutrophication and fishing pressures and focuses on higher trophic levels (fish, seals, birds), and the Baltic RCO-SCOBI Climate Model from SMHI, Stockholm with projections of future changes in the Baltic Sea environment with different global/regional climate and eutrophication scenarios. 2 (1)/MARELITT-Baltic-update-May-2018.pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB 7

8 In relation to the Atlantis presentation they mentioned the future work on using the Atlantis model to evaluate changes in distribution overlap between cod, sprat, herring and seals, as well as oxygen depletion areas, in the Baltic with focus on food availability for cod (sprat, benthic invertebrates) and predation on cod (and herring) by seals. Input from the BSAC on these matters would be much appreciated. A fisheries representative asked about the impact of salt water inflows from the North Sea on Baltic cod. J. Rasmus Nielsen replied that the impact of salt water is included in large scale climate models, which also include rainfall and wind. The project identifies three main pressures: climate, eutrophication and fisheries. A fisheries representative commented that this type of complex models is useful for evaluating scenarios of ecosystem impacts and pressures of fishing, climate and eutrophication, whilst at the same time taking into account the enormous amount of influencing factors and complex interactions. It would be relevant to inform the model, so it can take into account the effects of changed geographical distribution and overlap of seals, cod, sprat and herring, among other things, in relation to seal worms, i.e. the effect of seal worms on cod. Another fisheries representative explicitly supported that such types of complex interaction models are useful for the integrated evaluation of different pressures in relation to knowledge, advice and management. In this context she informed that pollution from chemical pollutants is also a very important problem in terms of impacts and pressures on the Baltic Sea. She asked whether the Atlantis model takes this into account. J. Rasmus Nielsen replied that the current version of the model does not take chemical pollution into account. The presentation is on the BSAC website Information on transnational project on seals and cormorants with 14 FLAGs by Thorsten Wichmann, German Angling Association In the absence of Thorsten Wichmann, Esko Taanila (Finland) presented the transnational project on seals and cormorants with 14 FLAGs. The project focuses on seals and cormorants and identifies the scale of damages in different regions as well as their social and economic impact. It increases the general understanding of the current situation. It also stimulates debate about social sustainability and the role of small scale fisheries and coastal communities. The project also identifies sustainable management solutions. 14 FLAGs from 4 countries take part in the project. Preliminary results are expected in October A representative of the fishermen proposed to include the BSAC in consultations of the problem of seal and cormorant damages in fisheries. 3 (1)/BSAC-ExCom_8May2018_Baltic-Atlantis_Presentation_Bossier-Nielsen-et-al.pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB 8

9 Representatives of OIG referred to the ecosystem-based management WG, where these items can be discussed in more detail. Esko Taanila promised to inform the BSAC on the final results of the project. Esko Taanila s presentation is on the BSAC website 4. The ExCom took note of the presentation and the project. 8. Eel: draft Joint Declaration on the protection and rebuilding of the eel stock from Wolfgang Albrecht, Association of Fisheries Protection The ExCom Chair referred to the consultation launched by the Commission to evaluate the Eel management regulation from The ExCom had been informed and asked to provide guidance on how to deal with it. The BSAC produced recommendations last year at the request of the Commission and then measures were adopted by Council. Not everyone welcomed the outcome from the Council. He invited Wolfgang Albrecht to briefly present his proposal, which consisted of draft for a BSAC joint declaration on the protection and rebuilding of the eel stock. Wolfgang Albrecht, Association of Fisheries Protection, Schleswig-Holstein presented the draft Joint Declaration on the Protection and Rebuilding of the Eel Stock. In order to avoid a total closure of the eel fishery, a pan-european package solution is required. Several measures were proposed, among others a total ban on eel fishery in those Member States that have not or only partially implemented the eel management regulation, full reporting of glass eel prices, to impose a ban in the case of incomplete reports or lack of reports, a reduction of the glass eel quota by 15%, an increase for the restocking to 70 %, traceability of the use of catches and increased control of actions by EFCA (European Control Agency), and a Europe-wide management plan for cormorants and its implementation. A fisheries representative fully supported the proposal presented by Wolfgang Albrecht and proposed to send it as the BSAC response to the consultation on eel. Nils Höglund, Chairman of the ecosystem-based management group reminded the meeting that this discussion is only about a roadmap of the process and the real discussion about details will come later. He proposed to discuss the BSAC input to the consultation during a meeting of the working group. The representative of the European Commission underlined that the management of eel should be dealt with at pan-european level. The discussion on the evaluation of the eel regulation should be kept separate from the TAC/quota regulation. The roadmap is an important part of the consultation, replacing a white paper, and the deadline for the consultation of the roadmap is 11 th May A formal public consultation will take place in the autumn. 4 (1)/BALTIC-SEA-SEAL-AND-CORMORANT-TNC-PROJECT pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB 9

10 The European Commission would like to evaluate some measures such as restocking. The Member States will submit their reports on the implementation of the eel management plans. A representative of small scale fisheries noted that most problems with eel management result from the lack of knowledge. He supported the proposal for measures put forward by Wolfgang Albrecht. A representative of OIG underlined that the consultation of the eel management plan requires a proper discussion. Referring to the draft joint declaration, he noted that he could not agree to send it as a joint BSAC response and stated that it needs to be supplemented with additional provisions and measures. A fisheries representative stated that the draft joint declaration should be sent to the Commission as soon as possible as one contribution and signed by the organisations which can support it. The majority of the ExCom members supported a Joint Declaration on the protection and rebuilding of the eel stock. The ExCom agreed to send a positive response to the Commission s roadmap as a first step in responding to the Commission s consultation on the eel management plan. 9. Confirmation of the date and venue of the next ExCom The ExCom decided to hold its next meeting on 28 th June 2018 in Copenhagen. Sonja Feldthaus, representing the BALTFISH Presidency informed the ExCom that BALTFISH will hold a joint Forum/HLG meeting on 29 th June 2018 in Copenhagen. 10. AOB Lindsay Keenan proposed to discuss the establishment of a focus group on written procedures. The ExCom Chair stated that the ExCom will return to this at its next meeting. Lindsay Keenan noted that according to ICES the return of tags in the framework of the tagging programme is low. He asked the BSAC members whether according to their knowledge the return of tags has recently improved. The Chair stated that he will address the producer s organisations to seek such information and will come to the BSAC with this information. 11. Closing remarks by the BSAC ExCom Chair The ExCom chair informed the meeting that he will present his closing remarks during the General Assembly. He thanked all participants for all the efforts taken to move things forward during the meeting. He stated that unfortunately, he could not accept the nomination to continue as Chair for personal reasons, but it would have been an honour to continue to work for the BSAC. There was a standing ovation to thank the outgoing Chair for his work for the BSAC. 10