EN    EN EN 
 
EN    EN  EUROPEAN COMMISSION 
Brussels, 25.2.2010 
SEC(2010) 146 
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 
Technical annex  
  
Accompanying document to the 
  
ANNUAL REPORT FROM  THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 
on Member States' efforts during 2008 to achi eve a sustainable balance between fishing 
capacity and fishing opportunities 
[COM(2010)60 FINAL] 
[SEC(2010)147] 
 
EN 2   EN TABLE OF CONTENTS 
COMMISSION STAFF WORKI NG DOCUMENT accompanying document to the 
ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE COMMI SSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT on Member States' e fforts during 2008 to ach ieve a sustainable 
balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities 
1. Fleet Management under the Common Fisheries Policy ............................................. 3 
1.1. Entry-exit regime ......................................................................................................... 3 
1.2. Reference levels for the mainland fleet........................................................................ 4 1.3. Evolution of Community fishing fleet capacity........................................................... 4 1.4. Management of fleet reference le vels in the outermost regions .................................. 4 
1.5. Use of the guidelines.................................................................................................... 5  
1.6. Community Fishing Fleet Register .............................................................................. 5 SUMMARY TABLES AND GRAPHS..................................................................................... 7 Table 1: Compliance with the entry-exit ce iling at 31 December 2008 (except outermost 
regions)....................................................................................................................... .. 7 
Figure 1: Overall trend of the Community fleet capacity ceiling (except outermost regions)... 8 
Table 2: Compliance with reference levels at  31 December 2008 (except outermost regions). 9 
Figure 2: Overall trend of the Community fleet reference levels (only for the Member States 
concerned, except the outermost regions).................................................................. 10 
Table 3: Fleet capacity variations between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008 (except 
outermost regions)...................................................................................................... 11 
Figure 3: Trend in the number of EU  fishing vessels between 1992 and 2008 ....................... 12 
Figure 4: Trend in the EU fishing fleet capac ity in terms of tonnage between 1992 and 200812 
Figure 5: Trend in the EU fishing fleet capac ity in terms of power (kW) between 1992 and 
2008........................................................................................................................... . 13 
Table 4: Fleet capacity variations betw een 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008 in the 
outermost regions....................................................................................................... 14 
Table 5: Use of indicators ..................................................................................................... ... 15 
 
EN 3   EN 1. Fleet Management under the Common Fisheries Policy 
1.1. Entry-exit regime 
From 1 January 2003 Member States have been ob liged to respect a stri ct entry-exit regime 
applying to the capacity of their mainland fleets1, measured in terms of both tonnage and 
power. Any entry of capac ity into the fleet of a Member St ate has to be co mpensated by the 
previous exit of at least the same amount of ca pacity (entry to exit ratio of 1:1). The only 
exception being capacity increases resulting from  works to improve safety, hygiene or living 
and working conditions on board in accordance w ith Article 11(5) of Council Regulation (EC) 
No 2371/2002. For entries of new vessels of mo re than 100 GT built with public aid (the 
administrative decisions granting aid were  possible only until 31 December 2004) the 
Member State had to withdraw 35% more capacity  than it introduced (entry to exit ratio of 
1:1,35). 
Another important rule is that capacity leavin g the fleet with public aid cannot be replaced. 
Such capacity is subtracted di rectly from the maximum fleet capacity of each Member State. 
Capacity reductions supported with public aid are therefore permanent. 
In July 2007 the Council adopted an amendment to the fleet management provisions which 
allows Member States, with effect from 1 January 2007, to re-allocate 4% of the capacity 
scrapped with public aid in order to improve  safety on board, working conditions, hygiene 
and product quality. The amendment also incl udes the possibility to  re-allocate for the 
purpose of the aforementioned safety improve ments 4% of the average annual tonnage 
withdrawn with public aid be tween 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2006 for Member States 
that were part of the Community on 1 January 2003, and betw een 1 May 2004 and 31 
December 2006 for the Member States that acceded to the Community on 1 May 2004. These amendments have slightly increased the t onnage ceilings for most Member States. 
All of this means that, as a ge neral rule, the capac ity of the national fl eets cannot increase 
with respect to its levels on 1 January 2003, for 'EU 15' Member  States and on the accession 
date for the Member States, which acceded to the Community after 2003. 
In practice this is likely to be the case. However, in accordan ce with Articles 6, 6a, 7 and 7a 
of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1277/ 2007 amending Commission Regulation (EC) 
1438/2003, the implementing rules for the fleet po licy allow for the registration of vessels 
outside the framework of the entry-exit regime if administrative decisions have been adopted 
by the national authorities: 
a) between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002 for those vessels to enter the fleet 
after 1 January 2003 in 'EU 15' Member States and,  
b) up to five years before the accession date  for those vessels joining the fleet of 
Member States which acceded to the Community after 1 January 2003. 
Those vessels had to enter the fleets not later th an five years after the date of adoption of 
those administrative decisions.  
                                                
 
1 For fleets registered in outermost regions, rules are slightly different (see next page). 
 
EN 4   EN The combination of these rules results in the calculation by the Commission of a variable 
capacity ceiling for the fleet of each Member State, excluding the fleets registered in the 
outermost regions. The capacity of each Member St ate in relation to its capacity ceiling on 31 
December 2008 is shown in Table 1. The sum of  all Member States capacity ceilings is 
compared to the total capacity of the Comm unity fleet since 1 Ja nuary 2003 in Figure 1. 
Detailed results per Member State are availa ble on the website of Di rectorate General for 
Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. 
1.2. Reference levels for the mainland fleet 
The reference levels for the fleets of Member St ates are the sum of the global final objectives 
of the Fourth Multi-annual Gu idance Programme (MAGP IV) as established by Article 12 of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002. Since the re ference levels are a legacy of MAGP IV2 
(period 1997- 2002), the Council decided that th ey would not apply to the 'EU 10' Member 
States (Council Regulation (EC) No 1242/20043). Member States may not exceed their 
reference levels at any time. 
In the same way as it is done for the entry exit re gime, the reference levels are revised to take 
into account the amount of capacity  scrapped, the increase in t onnage under the provisions of 
Article 11(5) of Regulation 2371 and the 35% ex tra capacity withdrawn for new vessels of 
100 GT or more built with public aid after 1 January 2003.  
For the 'EU 15' Member States, the comparison between the capacity of their fleets and the 
reference levels on 31 December 2008 is shown in  Table 2. For the majority of the 'EU 15' 
Member States, the reference levels are in fact much greater than the capacity ceilings 
resulting from the entry-exit regime, which make s the former irrelevant. Overall evolution of 
the Community fleet reference level is shown in  Figure 2. Detailed results per Member State 
are available on the website of Directorate Ge neral for Maritime Affa irs and Fisheries.  
1.3. Evolution of Community fishing fleet capacity 
Evolution of the Member States' fleets in pe riod from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2008 is 
shown in Table 3. Figures 3, 4, and 5 aim at  providing a historical  perspective for the 
evolution of fishing capacity in  the Community. They are based on the data available in the 
CFR and comprise the whole Community fleet , including the vessels registered in the 
outermost regions. They show the evolution of  the capacity of the Community fishing fleet 
since 1992. The graph for tonnage needs to be  interpreted with care since the tonnage 
measurement units have changed over the peri od covered; this may be easily appreciated 
during the years 1999 to 2001. Desp ite this shortcoming these graphs show a steady but 
modest decline in fleet capacity in terms of tonnage and power and a slightly greater reduction 
in terms of number of vessels. It may also be noticed that th e successive enlargements have 
moderately increased the overall fishing capacity , but the global reduct ion trend has remained 
unchanged. 
1.4. Management of fleet reference levels in the outermost regions 
The fishing fleets registered in the Commun ity outermost regions, namely the French 
Overseas Departments, the Spanish Canary Is lands and the Portuguese Azores and Madeira 
                                                 
2 4th Multiannual Guidance Programs 
3 Council Regulation (EC) No 1242/2004 (OJ L 236 of 7 July 2004, p. 1 – 2)  
 
EN 5   EN have to comply with specific reference levels  for these regions in accordance with Council 
Regulation (EC) No 639/20044 and Commission Regul ation (EC) No 2104/20045. Evolution 
of the fleet capacity in the outer most regions is shown in Table 4. 
1.5. Use of the guidelines 
With a view to helping the Member States  to carry out a harmonised and well-founded 
analysis of the balance betw een their fleet and the availa ble fishing opportunities, the 
Commission produced in cooperation with the ST ECF guidelines for an improved analysis of 
the balance between fishing capac ity and fishing opportunities. Th e 'guidelines' were prepared 
in March 2008. They contain a set of indicators (technical, biological, economic and social) 
on the basis of which Member States could bett er assess the balance between fishing capacity 
and fishing opportunities.  
However, for the 2007 fleet report only some Member States includ ed the calculation and 
interpretation of some or all of the recomm ended indicators, arguing short deadline given for 
their inclusion in the reports, their comple x technical nature and the lack of data. 
In order to help Member States to overcome di fficulties encountered with the application of 
the guidelines, Commission organised in January  2009 a seminar where officials and experts 
of the Member States responsible for the prepar ation of the annual report were invited. At the 
seminar it was revealed that some Member States encounter problems related to the 
availability of certain data and that some of biological indicators coul d not be calculated for 
all fisheries. Nevertheless, Co mmission encouraged Member States to apply the guidelines to 
the extent of their possibilities.  
For the 2008 annual report, a number of countries that included in thei r reports calculation of 
some or all of the proposed indicators has im proved, given that 12 count ries were able to 
provide them. Not all countries were able to  present data for 2008, but they have provided 
data for 2007 and in many cases also for few preceding years and thus showing developments 
across the previous years and allowing for a better interpretation of the indicators. 
Commission recognises the problems that some  Member States came across regarding the 
availability of certain data and will seek to address them and im prove the guidelines in 
cooperation with STECF.  
The technical indicator, which is the most stra ightforward indicator to  calculate, shows very 
low capacity utilisation in many cases. Biological  indicators (F estimated/ F targeted) which 
were provided only by a few Member  States show in most cases that fish stocks are being 
exploited unsustainably. Economic indicato rs provide a very uneven picture among the 
different segments and countries. A summary of  the indicators provided by Member States 
and their values is shown in Table 5.  
1.6. Community Fishing Fleet Register 
In 2004, the new Community Fleet Register (CFR) was set up in accordance with 
Commission Regulation (EC) No  26/2004. The more comprehensive CFR was necessary in 
order to follow up the new CFP rules for managi ng the fishing capacity of the EU fleet which 
entered into force on 1st Janua ry 2003. This system, following the 2002 CFP reform, gives 
                                                 
4 Council Regulation (EC) No 639/2004 (OJ L 102 of 7 April 2004, p. 9 – 11) 
5 Commission Regulation (EC) No 2104/2004 (OJ L 365 of 10 December 2004, p. 19 – 21) 
 
EN 6   EN more responsibility to the Member States in  achieving a better balance between the fishing 
capacity of their fleets a nd the available resources. 
The CFR is the main tool for monitoring the fishing fleet. In accordance with Commission 
Regulation (EC) No 26/2004, Memb er States are obliged on a quarterly basis to transmit 
electronically all relevant inform ation ("snapshots" shall be sent on the first working day of 
March, June, September and December) on th e characteristics of 75.535 (on 31 December 
2008) commercial fishing vessels, together with information on entries to and exits from the 
fleet. Furthermore, the CFR is managed via a web-based application, called the Community 
Fleet Register On the Net (FRONT). The FRONT is also available for the general public on 
the following web page: http://ec.eu ropa.eu/comm/fisheries/fleet/index.cfm  
It is important to note that all information which is provided in this Commission Staff 
Working Document 1 can be found on the "Europa" site6 and has been taken from the CFR, 
with the exception of: 
– data on entries corresponding to admi nistrative decisions taken by national 
authorities before 1 January 2003 (or accession date for Member States which acceded after 1 January 2003) and for whic h the special transitional provisions 
apply; 
– data on exits with public aid in some cases where this information was not 
available.  
Only in these two cases has the information b een taken directly from the Member States. 
It should be noted that table 1 shows a margin under the fleet capacity ce ilings for the French 
fleet which does not correspond to the data in cluded in the French report. French data 
concerning exits with public aid is missing fr om the Community Fishing Fleet register. The 
French authorities have been requested to complete it as soon as possible. 
                                                
 
6 http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/fleet/index. cfm?method=FM_Reporting.AnnualReport  
 
EN 7   EN SUMMARY  TABLES  AND  GRAPHS 
TABLE 1: COMPLIANCE WITH THE ENTRY -EXIT CEILING AT 31 DECEMBER 2008  (EXCEPT OUTERMOST REGIONS ) 
F lee t capacity Entry/Exit ceiling Fleet c apacity Entry/Exit ceiling
AB CD
Bel gium 1 9.0 07 2 1.4 47 8 8,6 2% 60. 620 60. 720 99, 84%
Bul garia 8.3 81 8.3 90 9 9,9 0% 63. 894 64. 053 99, 75%
Denmark 7 3.0 38 9 3.0 80 7 8,4 7% 263. 855 3 27. 311 80, 61%
Germany 6 8.5 93 7 1.1 12 9 6,4 6% 159. 971 1 67. 133 95, 71%
Estonia 1 7.8 14 2 3.9 68 7 4,3 3% 45. 974 58. 032 79, 22%
Irelan d 6 5.0 76 7 6.5 21 8 5,0 4% 181. 030 1 98. 420 91, 24%
Gr eece 8 8.7 51 9 1.6 46 9 6,8 4% 510. 637 5 16. 666 98, 83%
Sp ain 42 8.4 12 43 8.7 98 9 7,6 3% 958. 868 1.0 10. 521 94, 89%
France 17 8.9 95 19 3.9 60 9 2,2 8% 778. 607 8 44. 424 92, 21%
Ital y 19 5.8 48 20 0.0 63 9 7,8 9% 1. 144. 911 1.1 89. 002 96, 29%
Cyprus 5.3 72 1 1.4 26 4 7,0 2% 49. 259 50. 519 97, 51%
Latvia 3 8.2 30 5 1.4 36 7 4,3 2% 61. 080 71. 385 85, 56%
Lit h ua ni a 5 0.4 78 7 3.8 29 6 8,3 7% 59. 765 75. 194 79, 48%
Malt a 1 0.8 07 1 5.2 38 7 0,9 2% 85. 277 98. 379 86, 68%
Net herla nds 13 0.1 08 16 6.3 22 7 8,2 3% 289. 280 3 48. 882 82, 92%
Pol and 4 1.0 01 4 2.3 93 9 6,7 2% 98. 961 1 06. 162 93, 22%
Portugal 9 2.7 01 9 8.9 74 9 3,6 6% 318. 031 3 28. 791 96, 73%
Romania 1.6 61 2.4 70 6 7,2 4% 6. 194 8. 147 76, 03%
Slovenia 9 83 1.0 57 9 3,0 2% 10. 653 10. 974 97, 08%
Fi nl and 1 6.0 46 1 8.2 76 8 7,8 0% 169. 813 1 83. 829 92, 38%
Swed en 4 1.7 84 4 5.2 30 9 2,3 8% 208. 198 2 20. 830 94, 28%
United Kingdom 20 7.9 83 23 5.0 79 8 8,4 7% 839. 495 9 27. 950 90, 47%
   To ta l at 31 /12 /200 8 1 .78 1.0 69 1 .98 0.7 15 89, 92% 6. 364. 373 6.8 67. 322 9 2, 68%
NB : Data e xtracte d from the Com munity Fleet Register on 14/07/200 9M emb er S tateGT kW
A/B C/D
at 31 /12/ 2008 at 31 /12/ 200 8
 
 
EN 8   EN Figure 1: Overall trend of the Community fleet capacity ceiling (except outermost 
regions) 
Tonnage of the Community fleet compared to its tonnage ceiling.
            Trend between 1/01/2003 and 31/12/2008
1.0001.1001.2001.3001.4001.5001.6001.7001.8001.9002.0002.1002.2002.3002.4002.500
1/01/2003 1/07/2003
1/01/2004
1/07/2004
1/01/2005
1/07/20051/01/2006
1/07/2006
1/01/2007 1/07/2007
1/01/2008
1/07/2008GT Ceiling GT capacity (1000)
Engine power (kW) of the Community fleet compared to its power ceiling.
           Trend between 1/01/2003 and 31/12/2008
5.0005.2005.4005.6005.8006.0006.2006.4006.6006.8007.0007.2007.4007.6007.8008.000
1/01/03 1/07/03
1/01/04
1/07/04
1/01/05
1/07/05
1/01/06
1/07/06
1/01/07
1/07/07
1/01/08 1/07/08kW Ceiling kW capacity (1000)
 
EN 9   EN Table 2: Compliance with reference levels at  31 December 2008 (except outermost regions)  
  
Fleet capacity Reference level Fleet capacity Reference level
AB CD
Belgium 19.007 21.447 88,62% 60.620 60.720 99,84%
Denmark 73.038 122.775 59,49% 263.855 420.854 62,70%
Germany 68.593 84.257 81,41% 159.971 175.883 90,95%
Ireland 65.076 76.808 84,73% 181.030 211.056 85,77%
Greece 88.751 105.474 84,14% 510.637 577.670 88,40%
Spain 428.412 664.802 64,44% 958.868 1.512.149 63,41%
France 178.995 211.289 84,72% 778.607 852.581 91,32%
It aly 195.848 206.593 94,80% 1.144.911 1.225.245 93,44%
Netherlands 130.108 194.659 66,84% 289.280 454.706 63,62%
Portugal 92.701 160.832 57,64% 318.031 384.103 82,80%
Finland 16.046 21.674 74,03% 169.813 209.769 80,95%
Sweden 41.784 50.451 82,82% 208.198 253.996 81,97%
United Kingdom 207.983 268.071 77,58% 839.495 1.077.850 77,89%
    Total at 31/12/2008 1.606.342 2.189.134 73,38% 5.883.315 7.416.582 79,33%
NB : Data extracted from the Community Fleet Register on 14/07/2009Member StateGT kW
A/B C/D
at 31/12/2008 at 31/12/2008
 
 
EN 10   EN Figure 2: Overall trend of the Community fl eet reference levels (only for the Member 
States concerned, except the outermost regions)  
Tonnage of the Community fleet compared to its reference level.
            Trend between 1/01/2003 and 31/12/2008
02505007501.0001.2501.5001.7502.0002.2502.500
1/01/2003 1/07/2003 1/01/2004 1/07/20041/01/20051/07/2005
1/01/2006
1/07/2006
1/01/2007
1/07/2007
1/01/2008
1/07/2008GT Reference Level GT capacity (1000)
Engine power (kW) of the Community fl eet compared to its reference level.
           Trend between 1/01/2003 and 31/12/2008
4.0004.5005.0005.5006.0006.5007.0007.5008.0008.5009.000
1/01/03
1/07/03 1/01/04
1/07/04
1/01/05 1/07/05
1/01/06 1/07/06
1/01/07
1/07/071/01/08
1/07/08kW Reference Level kW capacity (1000)
 
 
EN 11   EN Table 3: Fleet capacity variations between 1 January  2003 and 31 December 2008 (except outermost regions) 
Member States N° of vessels GT kW N° of vessels GT kW N° of vessels ∆ GT ∆ GT in % ∆ kW ∆ kW in %
EU-15 :
BE 132 24.363 68.304 100 19. 007 60.620 -32 -5.356 -21,98% -7.684 -11,25%
DK 3.812 103.011 365.983 2.893 73. 038 263.855 -919 -29.973 -29,10% -102.128 -27,91%
DE 2.244 66.844 161.045 1.825 68. 593 159.971 -419 1.749 2,62% -1.074 -0,67%
IE 2.085 87.271 242.862 1.957 65. 076 181.030 -128 -22.194 -25,43% -61.832 -25,46%
EL 19.135 101.555 591.258 17.347 88. 751 510.637 -1.788 -12.805 -12,61% -80.621 -13,64%
ES 13.628 465.622 1.146.13 4 10.416 428. 412 958.868 -3.212 -37.21 0 -7,99% -187.266 -16,34%
FR 5.712 212.037 910.753 4.984 178. 995 778.607 -728 -33.042 -15,58% -132.146 -14,51%
IT 15.759 216.053 1.277.397 13.654 195. 848 1. 144.911 -2.105 -20.206 -9,35% -132.486 -10,37%
NL 779 183.669 418.521 716 130. 108 289.280 -63 -53.561 -29,16% -129.241 -30,88%
PT 8.209 99.701 333.090 7.353 92. 701 318.031 -856 -7.000 -7,02% -15.059 -4,52%
FI 3.572 19.805 190.255 3.240 16. 046 169.813 -332 -3.758 -18,98% -20.442 -10,74%
SE 1.812 45.902 225.274 1.474 41. 784 208.198 -338 -4.117 -8,97% -17.076 -7,58%
UK 7.420 240.996 942.333 6.592 207. 983 839.495 -828 -33.013 -13,70% -102.838 -10,91%
To ta l 84.299 1.866.828 6.873.209 72.551 1.606. 342 5. 883.315 -11.748 -260.486 -13,95% -989.894 -14,40%
EU-10 :
EE 1054 26.619 64.967 966 17. 814 45.974 -88 -8.805 -33,08% -18.993 -29,24%
CY 901 11.977 53.034 1179 5. 372 49.259 278 -6.605 -55,15% -3.775 -7,12%
LV 897 44.439 74.251 841 38. 230 61.080 -56 -6.210 -13,97% -13.17 0 -17,74%
LT 308 76.739 80.680 221 50. 478 59.765 -87 -26.260 -34,22% -20.915 -25,92%
MT 1431 15.326 99.058 1148 10. 807 85.277 -283 -4.520 -29,49% -13.781 -13,91%
PL 1283 58.881 160.986 832 41. 001 98.961 -451 -17.880 -30,37% -62.025 -38,53%
SI 176 1.057 10.974 181 983 10.653 5 -74 -6,98% -320 -2,92%
Total 6.050 235.039 543.949 5. 368 164.685 410.970 -682 -70.354 -29,93% -132.980 -24, 45%
New :
BG 2544 8.259 62.952 2547 8. 381 63.894 3 122 1,48% 942 1,50%
RO 436 2.354 7.680 437 1. 661 6.194 1 -693 -29,45% -1.485 -19,34%
Total 2.980 10.613 70.631 2. 984 10.042 70.088 4 -571 -5,38% -543 -0, 77%
NB : Data extracted from the Community Fleet Register on 14/ 07/200901/01/2007 31/12/2008 Fleet capacity variation s01/01/2003 31/12/2008 Fleet capacity variation s
01/05/2004 31/12/2008 Fleet ca pacity variation s
Total EU fishin g fleet at 31/12/2008 75. 535 1. 616.384 5.953.404
 
EN 12   EN Figure 3: Trend in the number of EU  fishing vessels between 1992 and 2008 
Trend in the number of EU fishing vessels between 1992 and 2008
0102030405060708090100110120
1.1.92
1.1.931.1.941.1.95
1.1.96
1.1.971.1.981.1.991.1.001.1.01
1.1.02
1.1.031.1.041.1.051.1.061.1.071.1.08
1.1.09Number of vessels 1/1000
EU 12
EU 15
EU 25
EU 27
N.B.: The increase in the number of vessels shown in 1998 is due to the inclusion in the 
Community Fishing Fleet register of the vessels registered in the French Outermost RegionsMA GP III
1992-1996MA GP IV
1997-2002Entry exit regime
 
Figure 4: Trend in the EU fishing fleet capa city in terms of tonnage between 1992 and 
2008 
Trend in the EU fishing fleet capacity in terms of tonnage between 1992 and 2008
02004006008001.0001.2001.4001.6001.8002.0002.200
1.1.92
1.1.931.1.941.1.951.1.961.1.971.1.98
1.1.99
1.1.00
1.1.01
1.1.02
1.1.031.1.041.1.051.1.061.1.071.1.081.1.09Total fleet tonnage in GT/1000 EU 12
EU 15
EU 25
EU 27MAGP III
1992-1996MAGP IV
1997-2002Entry exit regime
N.B.: The increase in tonnage shown between 1999 and 2001 is only apparent; it is due to the transition from the national tonnage measurement 
systems to the Community system. In average, the GT tonnage of a vessel is greater than its its tonnage measured in the nationa l units. 
 
 
EN 13   EN Figure 5: Trend in the EU fishing fleet ca pacity in terms of power (kW) between 1992 
and 2008 
Trend in the EU fishing fleet capacity in terms of power (kW) between 1992 and 2008
01.0002.0003.0004.0005.0006.0007.0008.0009.000
1.1.92
1.1.93
1.1.941.1.95
1.1.96
1.1.97
1.1.98
1.1.99
1.1.00
1.1.01
1.1.02
1.1.03
1.1.04
1.1.05
1.1.06
1.1.071.1.08
1.1.09Total fleet power in kW/1000
EU 12
EU 15
EU 25
EU 27MA GP III
1992-1996MA GP IV
1997-2002Entry exit regime
N.B.: The increase in power shown in 1998 is due to the inclusion in the Community 
Fishing Fleet register of the vessels registered in the French Outermost Regions
 
 
EN 14   EN Table 4: Fleet capacity variations between 1 January  2003 and 31 December 2008 in the outermost regions  
Member StateSegment 
code*Number of 
vessels GT kWNumber of 
vessels GT kWNumber of 
vessels ∆ GT ∆ GT in % ∆ kW ∆ kW in %
CA1 1.081 2.108 16.418 841 1.813 16.178 -240 -295 -13,98% -240 -1,46%
CA2 103 4.235 15.334 78 2.646 9.800 -25 -1.589 -37,51% -5.534 -36,09%
CA3 131 45.996 83.667 67 25.650 38.521 -64 -20.346 -44,23% -45.146 -53,96%
Total 1.315 52.338 115.420 986 30.109 64.499 -329 -22.229 -42,47% -50.921 -44,12%
4FC 277 375 12.004 316 481 15.185 39 106 28,12% 3.181 26,50%
4FD 47 4.303 13.883 67 6.584 22.156 20 2.281 53,00% 8.273 59,59%
4FF 87 340 4.630 115 498 5.932 28 158 46,30% 1.302 28,12%
4FG 63 7.199 20.172 42 4.512 13.081 -21 -2.687 -37,32% -7.091 -35,15%
4FH 5 288 1.010 5 211 1.017 0 -77 -26,71% 70 , 6 9 %
4FJ 1.152 2.167 61.861 1.355 2.274 94.676 203 107 4,92% 32.815 53,05%
4FK 8 848 2.598 5 331 1.696 -3 -517 -60,93% -902 -34,72%
4FL 951 2.587 100.431 1.027 3.174 137.914 76 587 22,70% 37.483 37,32%
4FM 1 12 220 2 124 551 1 112 941,18% 331 150,45%
Total 2.591 18.119 216.809 2.934 18.189 292.208 343 70 0,38% 75.399 34,78%
4K6 423 409 2.808 412 471 3.815 -11 62 15,12% 1.007 35,86%
4K7 51 3.622 12.821 50 3.284 12.198 -1 -338 -9,33% -622 -4,85%
4K8 5 193 1.006 5 208 1.170 0 15 7,63% 164 16,32%
4K9 1475 2.266 20.401 653 1.745 24.311 -822 -521 -23,00% 3.910 19,17%
4KA 115 10.047 29.617 112 8.188 24.684 -3 -1.860 -18,51% -4.932 -16,65%
Total 2.069 16.538 66.653 1.232 13.896 66.179 -837 -2.642 -15,98% -474 -0,71%
5.975 86.995 398.882 5.152 62.194 422.886 -823 -24.802 -28,51% 24.005 6,02%
NB : Data extracted from the Fleet Register on : 14/07/2009
* Description of the outermost regions fleets segmentation codes are given in the Technical Annex 3Spain
France
Portugal
Total EU outermost regions01/01/2003 31/12/2008 Fleet capacity variations
 
EN 15   EN Table 5: Use of indicators 
INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
BE Data for 2006-
2008. 12-24m 
beam trawlers are 
just above 0,7. 24-40m beam 
trawlers are on 
average around 0,9.        Data for 2003-2007. 12-
24m beam trawlers 
negative. 24-40m positive.    Data for 2003-
2007. 12-24m 
beam trawlers 
generate much lower figures 
that 24-40m 
beam trawlers.   YES Quota utilisation for sole 
(73%) and plaice (88%) for 
2008 is provided.  
                                                 
7 Indicator of more than 0,9 will be observed only in fleet segments showing a largely homogenous activity (green light in "traf fic lights system"). Indicators between 0,7- 
0,9 mean that capacity is used moderately (yellow light) and values below 0,7 indicate distinct structural overcapacity (red li ght).  
8 F/Ft (Estimated fishing mortality / Targeted fishing mortality):  The overall values for individual fleet segments within Membe r States give an indication of the importance 
of fleet segments to the overall national catch. In addition, if the overall value for fleet segment is greater than 1, it indi cates that the individual fleet segment is catching 
more fish than would be expected under desirable fishing mort ality rates from the entire national fleet ("red light" in a traff ic light system). In the case that the calculation 
has been made using fleet-segment quotas, a value greater than 1 might be given "yellow light" as the desirable exploitation ra te is already fleet-s pecific, thereby not 
taking account of possible changes to quota allocations. If several fleet segments of a Member State operate on the same specie s, establishing an overall ratio for the 
species across fleets will show whether national catches are consiste nt with long term stock management goals. Values above 1 i ndicate at least "yellow" traffic light. 
9 Where harvest ratios can be compared to established harvest ratio targets, the interpretation is similar to the one for F/Ft. Otherwise, the indicator provides trends in 
catch/biomass ratio over time that reflect the exploitation state of a given stock. It is difficult to determine threshold valu es of this indicator.  
10 Catch per unit of effort (CPUE) estimates can be interpreted as a relative index of stock abundance. It does not indicate leve l at which the exploitation becomes 
unsustainable. The indicator can only provide trend over time.  
11 ROI measures investment profitability, and, as applied to a fl eet in total, average investme nt profitability. Results greater than 0 suggest that extrao rdinary profits (profits 
above opportunity cost) are being generated, which is a sign of economic under-capitalization. Results below 0 indicate economi c over-capitalization. 
12 The indicator shows the level of revenue at which all costs are covered and net profit is 0. It is a good measure of economic sustainability, although not linked to 
investment costs. When the ratio is below 1, current cash flow  is not sufficient to cover current costs, so the activity is not  economically sustainable.  
13 Average crew share per Full-time equivalent (FTE) indicator is significant for determining income developments for dependent f ishermen. Possible reference points: if the 
value is higher that the wages for all sectors it indicates positiv e tendency. If the value is lower than wages in all sectors,  but higher than in agriculture sector, it indicates 
stability. If the value is lower than the wages in the agriculture sector than it shows negative tendency.  
14 Gross value added (GVA) expresses the added value that the activity contributes to the national society. A value above 0 means  the fishery has a value for society. 
 
EN 16   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
BG Data for 2008. 
Indicators for all 
segments are low, 
average figure for BG is 0,38.  Data for 2008. 
Based on the 
surveys carried out 
for turbot stocks population is 
deemed to be in a 
stable state and exploitations of the 
stock are low. Sprat 
stock is consider to be not-overexploited.  Data for 2008. 
Biomass 
estimation and 
catch figures are provided 
for sprat. Data for 2007 and 
2008. Figures are 
provided for 
different segments 
(according to gear 
type) in relation to targeted 
species.  Period not specified. 
Segmentation according to 
LOA. Negative results for 
vessels <6m. Other segments have positive 
results.  Period not specified. 
Segmentation according 
to LOA. Vessels <6m are 
below 1 (0,8), which indicates negative cash 
flows. All other sectors 
generated good results, with vessels 12-18m 
having the best results.  Period not 
specified. 
Segmentation 
according to LOA. Figures 
are the lowest 
for vessels < 6m. Best results 
are obtained for 
vessels 12-18m. Period not 
specified. 
Segmentation 
according to LOA. All 
segments are 
contributing to the society. YES   
DK Data for 2005-
2007 for 11 
segments. In 2007, 6 segments 
are above 0,9. 4 
segments are between 0,7 and 
0,9. 1 is below 
0,7.        Data for 2005-2008. In 
2008, 12-24 m beam trawl 
and dredgers <24m are performing very good. Also 
purse seines and trawls 
>40m. Poor performance for vessels under 12m. In 
addition, Return on revenue 
(ROR) calculations are provided. Data for 2005-2008. 
Picture uneven, some 
fleet segments, particularly small vessels, 
show 100% economic 
overcapacity, which is caused by negative cash 
flows. Few segments 
show large under capacity.    Data for 2005-
2008. All 
segments are contributing. Best 
are 12-24m 
trawls, 24-40m trawls and >40m 
trawl and seine.   Total wages per segment in 
period 2005-2008 are 
provided. 
DE                   A qualitative biological 
approach was used to 
examine the balance between fishing capacity 
and fishing opportunities 
by fleet segment. The fleet segments were those 
defined under MAGP IV. 
The report assessed whether the capacity trend 
in each fleet segment was 
in line with the trend in the abundance and level of 
fishing of the main stocks 
concerned.  
 
EN 17   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
EE Data for 2008. 
For 4S1 (trawlers 
above 12m) and 
4S3 (8 vessels above 24m, 
fishing outside 
Baltic) segments. Figures for 4S1 
segment show 
distinct overcapacity. In 4S3 segment 3 
vessels were 
above 0,9. 1 vessel 0,74 and 2 
vessels well 
below 0,7 (figures provided 
for 6 vessels).     Figures are 
presented for 
individual vessels 
and for targeted species. Figures 
among vessels are 
very varied, but not all vessels 
target all the 
targeted species within the segment.             
 
EN 18   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
EL Data for 2003-
2008. In GSA 22-
23, we could 
observe an important 
decrease of 
fishing effort indicator for 
larger boat-seines 
(12-24m), while utilisation for bigger coastal 
vessels increased. 
In GSA 20, utilization of 
purse seines (12-
24m) increased, but the value is 
much below 0.7. 
The rest of the fleet recorded 
only small 
increases.     Data for 2003-
2008. Figures for 
concerned species 
by area and segments are 
included.              
 
EN 19   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
IT Data for 2006 -
2007. Figures are 
the highest for 
trawlers 24-40m and beam 
trawlers 12-24m. 
Low figures for mid-water 
trawlers, purse 
seiners and hydraulic dredgers.     Data 2004- 
September 2008. 
Figures for 
specific CPUE are provided for 4 
main species 
which represent 35% of the 
catches: 
anchovies, hake, red mullet and white crayfish. 
Negative trend 
has started for anchovies in 
2007. Red mullet 
has stable trend, white crayfish 
positive, hake 
positive.  Data for 2007. Almost all 
sectors show low, but 
positive figures, with the 
exception of 18-24m mid water trawlers and 6-12m 
longliners. Value for 24-
40m trawlers is 0. It is noted that Mediterranean is 
characterised by low level 
of investments therefore this indicator is not considered to be 
recommended since it can 
lead to interpretative distortions.  Data for 2007. Figures 
for all sectors are higher 
than 1, except for two 
segments: mid water trawlers 18-24m and 6-
12m longliners.  Data for 2006. 
Best results for 
24-40m mid-
water trawlers (35.000 Euros), 
lowest figures 
for 12-18m polyvalent 
vessels (less 
than 10.000 Euros) Data for 2007. All 
segments are 
contributing to 
the society. YES   
LT   Data for 2008. For 
the segments 
exploiting cod 
stocks. Demersal trawls segment 
accounts for 
significant mortality rate 
(1,48). Rates for 
vessels <12m fishing with passive 
gears and vessels 
>12m fishing with passive gears are 
reasonable. Fishing 
mortality ratio per stock is 1,8.     Data for 2005-2007. For 
the segments exploiting 
cod stocks. In 2007 
negative results for demersal trawlers 24-40m. 
Results for netters < 12m 
are very good (263%), but this positive result is to be 
linked with some changes 
in the methodology of data calculation.  Data for 2005 - 2007. For 
the segments exploiting 
cod stocks. In 2007 
below 1 (0,8) for demersal trawlers 24-
40m and 5,9 for netters 
<12m.  Data for 2005 - 
2007. For the 
segments 
exploiting cod stocks. The 
crew share as a 
percentage of costs has been 
increasing since 
2005. In 2007 it has deteriorated 
for demersal 
trawlers 24-40m. Data for 2005 -
2007. Both 
sectors (demersal 
trawlers 24-40m and netters <12m) 
remain significant 
for social environment.  YES   
 
EN 20   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
MT Data for 2005-
2007. Very low 
capacity 
utilisation.      Data for 2005-
2007. Figures are 
calculated for the 
segments according to the 
gear type.   Data for 2005 -2007. 
Worst performing in 
2007 was pelagic trawl 
and seines segment, but better than in 2006. 
Negative figures also for 
demersal trawl and demersal seines segment. 
Best performing segment 
was beam trawl segment (TBB), however, this segment is minor 
component of the fleet.         
NL Data for 2008. 
Only for beam 
trawl segment. 
Figure is 0,88. Data for 2008. Only 
for beam trawl 
segment. F 
estimated > F targeted.     Data for 2008. Only for 
beam trawl segment. ROI > 
0.       These 3 
indicators 
generate 
"amber" light.   
PT                   As a part of economic and 
social indicators, figures 
for yield, employment and 
days of effort for the period 2003-2007 were presented. 
Also data on the catches of 
main species in period 2003-2007 is provided. 
SI Data for 2007-
2008. Very low 
figures for all 
segments.        Data for 2007. There are 
hardly any investments Data for 2007. 4 sectors 
out of 10 are below 0. 
FPO segment <12m is 
performing very well due to small costs and high 
quality catch. Data for 2007. 
Lowest figures 
for PMP 0-12m 
segment. Highest for PTS 
24-40m 
segment since there are 14 
employees, but 
only 2,2FTE Data for 2007. 3 
segments out of 
10 show negative 
figures.      
 
EN 21   EN INDICATORS 
BIOLOGICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL 
Country  
TECHNICAL 
(Capacity 
utilisation)7 F estimated / F 
target8 Current 
catch weight 
/ stock 
biomass9 Catch per unit of 
effort (CPUE)10 Return on investment 
(ROI)11 Current revenue / 
break-even revenue 12 Average crew 
share per Full-
time 
equivalent13 Gross value 
added (GVA)14 Indicators 
presented 
using 
"Traffic 
lights 
system" Other indicators or 
methods of assessment 
SE 2007 DCR 
segmentations. 
Very low figures 
for all segments.  2007 data. Very 
high figures for 
seiners, pelagic 
trawlers and bottom trawlers. Also high 
for passive gear 
<12 m.     Data for 2007. All 
segments have positive 
figures. But labour costs of 
sole proprietorships are not included, which means that 
labour costs are actually 
higher.  Data for 2007. All 
segments show values 
above 1. But labour costs 
of sole proprietorships are not included, which 
means that labour costs 
are actually higher.    2007 data. All 
segments are 
contributing to 
the society.     
UK               Data for 2005-
2007. Value is decreasing over 
the period, 
nevertheless national fleet as a 
whole contributes 
to the society.    Technical indicator:  
figures on active vessels were given. Indicator on 
the degree to which UK 
fishing activity is dependent on sustainable 
fishery:  for most fleet 
segments, other than pelagic, 90% of the fish 
landed came from 
sustainable sources. Economic indicators:  data 
on income, value added, 
cash flow, profit, employment, investment 
and effort days are given 
for period 2002-2007. Social indicator:  figures on 
average FTE per vessel for 
the demersal trawl and seine 12-24m and demersal 
trawl and seine 24-40m 
segments, which generate around 45% of income are 
given for the period 2002-
2007.