Sustainable management leads to a proposal for higher anchovy catches in Bay of Biscay

The European Commission today proposed fishing opportunities for anchovy fishing in the Bay of Biscay for the season 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012. Based on recent scientific advice confirming that the stock is in a good state and above safe biological limits, a total allowable catch of 29.700 tonnes is proposed. The catch limit proposed is in line with the Commission's proposal for a multi-annual management plan for the anchovy stock, as tabled in 2009, reports http://www.megafishnet.com/ with reference to the European Commission.

Commissioner Damanaki stated: "Long-term planning of the exploitation of fish stocks is -and will continue to be- the only way of ensuring sustainability, reducing the risk of collapse, while offering to fishermen the economic security they need. Today's proposal tabled today brings very good news from a stock whose collapse led the fishery to a closure between 2005 and 2009. This is a good example that sustainable fisheries management, based on a long-term approach and with involvement of the industry pays off."

The estimated stock size of about 98.450 tonnes must be formally confirmed by the relevant scientific bodies. After good signs of recovery already last year, scientists have measured last spring the highest abundance for the anchovy stock since they started studying it in 1987. In the case that the final figures will change, the Commission's proposal will be updated accordingly. Spain and France are the only Member States involved in this fishery.