Executive Committee, Tuesday, 26 April 2016 The Madison Hamburg Schaarsteinweg 4, 20459 Hamburg Report 1. Welcome by the BSAC chair The BSAC Chair welcomed MEP Werner Kuhn, Vice-Chair of the Fisheries Committee, the ExCom members and observers to the meeting. a) Apologies and adoption of the agenda The Secretary of the BSAC informed that there were 23 votes represented. The following apologies had been sent to the Secretariat: Ilona Jepsena (DG Mare), Kim Jordas (Finnish Fishermen s Association - mandate to Malin Lönnroth), Alex Olsen (Federation of National Organisation of Importers and Exporters of Fish), Marianne Goffeng Raakil (Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Sweden), Mogens Schou (BS 2020), Waldemar Renda (Kołobrzeg Group of Fish Producers) and Irek Wójcik (Association of Fishermen s of Sea- PO mandate to Krzysztof Stanuch). The participants list is on the BSAC website. The agenda was adopted without changes. b) Adoption of the minutes from the last meeting (18 th November 2015). There were no comments to the minutes. c) Two ExCom members to check the minutes Andrzej Białaś (OCEANA) and Benjamin Schmöde (Union of German Cutter and Coastal Fishermen s Association) agreed to check the minutes. 2. From the Secretariat and ExCom Chair: closing one year and starting the new a) Annual BSAC report and financial statement for 2015-2016; Draft Annual technical report to DG Mare. 1
The Secretary of the BSAC explained that the draft tenth Annual report (Annex 1) was the public record of BSAC activities and meetings held during the year. The draft Annual technical report (Annex 1a) is an internal document for the Commission. Comments from the ExCom were invited. In this context, the Secretary drew attention in Annex 1a to sections B4 on internal functioning, B6 on communication and E on comments and suggestions. She encouraged feedback from members on actual performance. The Secretary went through the draft financial statement (Annex 2) and informed that the auditor had approved it. She highlighted specific budget items and the respective levels of expenditure in terms of percentages. Overall, there had been a 77.8% spend, compared to 92% the previous year, explained partly by less meeting activity. In reply to a question on budget flexibility, she explained that the 10% and 20% flexibility in the budget allows for transfers between budget items, and she monitored this throughout the year. The 5% reserve was more suitably used towards the end of the project year. The Ex Com adopted both draft reports as well as the draft financial statement. The draft tenth annual report and the draft financial statement were approved by the Ex Com for submission to the General Assembly. b) BSAC year 2016-2017: work programme and draft estimated budget The Secretary of the BSAC informed the ExCom that the Commission agreed to change the accounting year to start 1st April and end 31st March, so the new financial year has started on 1st April 2016. She noted that the work programme and the draft estimated budget have already been approved by the Commission, but that the ExCom could propose amendments. Referring to the discussions during the last ExCom meeting on the establishment of a Focus Group, Nils Höglund, CCB noted that some additional resources should be foreseen for 1 or 2 meetings of such a group. Peter Breckling, Union of German Cutter Fishery referred to the management of recreational fisheries and fisheries measures in Natura 2000 sites, currently under discussion in Germany. He underlined that although these issues fall under national jurisdiction, the BSAC should proactively engage in discussions and exchange of information by means of establishing a Focus Group. Werner Kuhn, MEP Vice-Chair of the Committee on Fisheries stated that notwithstanding the fact that the management plans for Natura 2000 sites are within the responsibility of national authorities, the BSAC involvement is crucial to ensure an exchange of information and discussion with respect to fisheries measures. The BSAC Chair agreed that the BSAC should have discussions on the management of recreational fisheries to produce a BSAC recommendation. A definition of recreational 2
fisheries is urgently needed. He pointed to the fact that other Member States, apart from Germany should be urged to provide data on recreational fisheries. He also underlined the need for a dialogue with the Committee on Fisheries of the European Parliament. Steve Karnicki, the Honorary Chair of the BSAC drew attention to the need to gather information on recreational fisheries from the Member States. He indicated that national data collection programmes do not provide data on recreational fisheries. He supported the idea to establish a Focus Group to deal with the matter, but discussions should be preceded by gathering information on recreational fisheries. Tapani Veistola, Finnish Association for Nature Conservation supported the idea to establish a Focus Group to discuss fisheries measures in Natura 2000 sites and recommend best practices to Member States. Nils Höglund referred to the HELCOM document on recreational fisheries in the Baltic Sea and requested the Secretariat to distribute it to all members of the ExCom. 1 Glenn Douglas, European Anglers Association drew attention to different segments existing in recreational fisheries. He stated that anglers are always willing to share knowledge and provide data through data collection programmes. The BSAC chair concluded that the BSAC would start work on this topic. Input for terms of reference for the work should be sent to the BSAC secretariat by 10 th May 2016 at 12 o clock. With respect to the draft operating budget for 2016-2017, the BSAC Secretary informed participants that the budget for the financial year 2016-2017 has now been approved by the Commission and payment initiated. The estimated budget includes provision for 2 Focus Groups. She also informed the ExCom that all Member States and all ExCom members have already paid their contributions and thanked them for their timely contributions. Pehr Eriksson, Swedish Fishermen s Federation was of the opinion that the ExCom should consider an increase in the staff salaries, which have remained unchanged as compared to last year. Referring to the environmental conference, the BSAC Chair stated that at present there was still no decision by the Swedish government on funding. He noted that 9.500 EUR are foreseen in the budget for such an event. He also informed the ExCom that he will continue to seek additional funding. The conference will take place in the 1 st quarter 2017. He will revert with more information. 1 HELCOM document FISH 2-2015, 4-1 Recreational fisheries in the Baltic Sea and availability of data attached to this report 3
The ExCom adopted the work programme and the draft estimated budget for submission to the General Assembly. c) BSAC year 2016-2017: Update on expenditure during 2016-2017 since 1st April 2016 The Secretary of the BSAC stated that since the financial year 2016-2017 has only just started, more information on expenditure will be provided at the next ExCom meeting. The ExCom took note. 3. Nominations of vice-chair of the Executive Committee The Honorary Chair reminded the meeting of the fact that the nomination for the vicechairperson was discussed at the Executive Committee meeting on 18th November 2015. Coalition Clean Baltic submitted a nomination of Edward Stern from the Fisheries Secretariat as vice chair of the BSAC. An issue of procedure was the fact that a CV of Edward Stern had not been submitted prior to the meeting. This has subsequently been rectified and a CV was sent to ExCom members together with a report from the meeting. The ExCom Chair informed that no other nominations had been received. He proposed Edward Stern as vice chair and asked for consensus from the BSAC ExCom in support of this nomination. The ExCom elected by consensus Edward Stern as Vice-Chair of the BSAC. 4. Working procedures for the BSAC working groups Referring to the draft from the Secretariat of working procedures for the BSAC working groups, Nils Höglund stated that it was a good starting point for further discussion and completion and that it only required small adjustments. Among other things, a reference to drafting groups should be added. The creation of such a group is particularly relevant with respect to such complex topics as the technical measures framework, currently under discussion in the BSAC. Jan Isakson, Fisheries Secretariat supported the need to further elaborate the working procedures with additions. Erik Lindebo, EDF called for more transparency, on the basis of experience from the North Sea Advisory Council to include, among other things, a protocol that all members of the GA and ExCom can propose a paper to be discussed. The main reason for this addition was to give all members the right of initiative. 4
The BSAC Chair referred to the fact that the provisions adopted by the NSAC do not necessarily fit directly into the rules of procedure of the BSAC. He suggested that further comments to the text can be provided to the Secretariat by correspondence. Representatives from the fisheries interest group expressed their appreciation of the text submitted from the Secretariat and added that the BSAC should not waste too much time discussing procedure. They suggested to take a step forward, adopt the text and, if necessary, make further subsequent adjustments. After some further discussion, the ExCom decided that any amendments to the working procedures can be submitted to the Secretariat until 10 th May 2016 12 o clock. The text will then be put forward for adoption by the ExCom at its next meeting. 5. Proposal for topics and items for ecosystem based work Nils Höglund introduced the proposal for topics and items for ecosystem based work (Annex 6). He informed that some of these topics were added to the working programme of the BSAC for 2016-2017, for example work with ecosystem based fisheries management, management of fisheries in Natura 2000 and other protected areas, as well as integrated sea use management. These matters require discussion in the BSAC. He recalled that the last ExCom had postponed the decision on the establishment of a Focus Group on ecosystem based work until topics were more specifically identified. He also underlined that the presented list of topics for ecosystem based work is vast and will require experts to facilitate discussion. He thus saw advantages in establishing a Focus Group rather than integrating this work into the existing framework. Michael Andersen, Demersal WG chair appreciated the paper submitted by CCB and noted that in his capacity as Chair of the Demersal Working Group and with the active participation of all its members, he would be ready to undertake discussions on these topics in the framework of the Group. Staffan Larsson, the Swedish Cod Fishermen s Producer Organisation indicated that the paper submitted by CCB is a good checklist providing for broader perspective. He also noted that the work on these topics should be integrated within the framework of the existing Working Group. The BSAC Chair stated that discussions on topics for ecosystem based work could take place within a Focus Group on recreational fisheries and Natura 2000. Andrzej Białaś, Oceana drew attention to the fact that there is not enough time to discuss all topics put forward in the paper in the framework of the existing Joint Demersal and Pelagic Working Group. He therefore proposed to establish a small Focus Group before the next ExCom meeting to discuss these ecosystem-related issues and then present a report to the ExCom. 5
Nils Höglund indicated that he would be prepared to draft a paper listing the priorities among the topics for the ecosystem based work, including maritime spatial planning and Natura 2000 areas, before the next meeting of the Working Group in June. After some further discussion, the ExCom decided that ecosystem based topics will be discussed during the Joint Working Group, according to the priorities drafted by Nils Höglund. 6. Reports from meetings a. European Fisheries Control Agency Advisory Board meeting Brussels 23rd February 2016 The BSAC Chair referred to the EFCA Advisory Board meeting held in Brussels on 23rd February 2016. The main message given by the BSAC at the meeting concerned the need to improve the implementation of the landing obligation by giving more responsibility to fishermen with respect to the use of fishing gears. The same message should continue to be given through BALTFISH under the German Presidency. The EFCA was also informed on-going selectivity projects in the Baltic. Referring to the 2015 annual report provided by the EFCA, he stated that the overall situation in terms of enforcement of fisheries rules in the Baltic is good, with the exception of the implementation of the landing obligation. b. Commission seminar on the landing obligation Brussels 24th February 2016 Michael Andersen, Demersal WG chair said that the meeting was well attended and its goal was to exchange information on the experience gathered in the course of the implementation of the landing obligation. In his intervention at the meeting he tabled the complaint that the BSAC had not been invited to make a presentation at the meeting as the only Advisory Council with sufficient experience in the implementation of the landing obligation. He also referred to the fact that decision makers did not hesitate to implement the landing obligation, but are less willing to make necessary adjustments to the existing technical measures, thus forcing the fishermen to use gears which have been documented to be the cause of the problem. He also referred to the fact that the BSAC had unanimously recommended to decrease the minimum mesh size in demersal fishing gears to 110 mm. In his intervention he also referred to the waste of fish resources resulting from the landing obligation related to the prohibition to use undersized fish for human consumption. He also stated that a decrease of the MCRS should be considered in order to reduce the level of catches that may not be sold for human consumption. He mentioned a decrease the MCRS to 15 cm and apologised for not making it more clear at the meeting that it is not the BSAC official recommendation on MCRS. Edward Stern indicated that an official statement should have been sent by the BSAC to the Commission explaining that the mentioned 15 cm had never been an official BSAC position with reference to the MCRS. The BSAC Chair stated that more discussion is needed in the BSAC on the MCRS for cod in the context of the waste of fish resources resulting from the prohibition to use undersized 6
fish for human consumption. He noted that the discussion on the MCRS should have the right perspective and should take into account market arguments. c. The Inter-AC meeting/commission meeting with the Advisory Councils Brussels 24th February 2016 Edward Stern indicated that the main message of the Inter-AC meeting with the European Commission was that it is not essential for the Advisory Councils to reach consensus at any cost. He also highlighted the increasing responsibilities of the BSAC and BALTFISH in regionalization, through a question posed during the InterAC meeting. With the regionalization process and creation of delegated acts, the public consultation and impact assessments normally carried out by the Commission are also delegated to the Member States. This creates a deep hole in the public consultation process, conceivably covered by the CFP requirement for Member States to jointly consult the AC. Member States as a group do not formally have to consult anyone else, thus the relationship and transparency between BSAC and BALTFISH has never been more critical. d. Myfish (maximizing yield of fisheries while balancing ecosystem, economic and social concerns): the Myfish/ICES symposium Athens 27th-30th October 2015 and Policy meeting Brussels 25th February 2016 The BSAC Chair referred to the meetings of Myfish which discussed the results obtained in the Myfish project aimed at discussing the MSY principle in an ecosystem, economic and social context and on its relevance to fisheries management. He indicated that a discussion on the MSY principle continues within the framework of the Mareframe project. The ExCom should decide whether it would be relevant to invite Mareframe to the next meeting. e. Economic Advice in Fisheries Management: Conference Malta 4th-5th March 2016 Erik Lindebo, EDF referred to a well-attended meeting on economic advice in fisheries management, which was unique in that it gathered together economists, policy makers, EU institutions, Member States, NGOs and fishing industry representatives. 7. HELCOM Stakeholder conference on Marine Litter 9th March 2016 The BSAC Secretary referred to the outcome of the HELCOM stakeholder conference on Marine Litter, held on 9 th March 2016. The report from the meeting was sent out in the news to members of 15 th March 2016. She informed the ExCom that the HELCOM Marine Litter Plan mentions the involvement of the BSAC in actions addressing marine litter, among others in promoting and disseminating best practices in relation to all relevant aspects of waste management within the fishing sector and through the MARELITT Baltic project as one of its partners. The ExCom took note. 8. AOB 7
There was no other business. 9. Confirmation of the date and venue of the next ExCom meeting The ExCom decided to hold its next meeting on the 30 th June 2016. The place will be decided later. 2 2 Now confirmed that the ExCom will be held in Gdynia at the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute and invitation sent out. 8