Council Regulation (EU) 2022/110 of 27 January 2022 fixing for 2022 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Date: 2022-01-27
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Black Sea, EU waters, Mediterranean Sea, catch by species, catch quota, fishing area, fishing rights, international waters, sea fish, sea fishing




L_2022021EN.01016501.xml










31.1.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


L 21/165








            COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2022/110
of 27 January 2022
         
fixing for 2022 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas


THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(3) thereof,


Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:







(1)


Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) requires that conservation measures be adopted taking into account available scientific, technical and economic advice, including, where relevant, reports drawn up by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), as well as advice received from Advisory Councils established for the relevant geographical areas or fields of competence and joint recommendations made by Member States.












(2)


It is incumbent upon the Council to adopt measures on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, including certain conditions functionally linked thereto, as appropriate. Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that fishing opportunities should be allocated to Member States in such a way as to ensure the relative stability of fishing activities of each Member State for each fish stock or fishery.












(3)


Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that the objective of the common fisheries policy (CFP) is to achieve the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) exploitation rate by 2015 where possible and, on a progressive, incremental basis at the latest by 2020 for all stocks.












(4)


The total allowable catches (TACs) should therefore be established, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, on the basis of the available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socioeconomic aspects whilst ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors, as well as in having regard to the opinions expressed during the consultation with stakeholders.












(5)


Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that for stocks subject to specific multiannual plans, the fishing opportunities are to be established in accordance with the rules laid down in those plans.












(6)


The Multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea (‘the plan’) was established by Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) and entered into force on 16 July 2019. The plan aims to ensure that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the MSY.












(7)


In accordance with Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, fishing opportunities for stocks listed in Article 1 of that Regulation should be fixed to achieve fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield on a progressive, incremental basis by 2020 where possible, and by 1 January 2025 at the latest. Fishing opportunities should be expressed as maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners fixed in accordance with the fishing effort regime laid down in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 as well as maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) and giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) fixed in accordance with scientific advice.












(8)


STECF advised that, in order to attain the MSY targets for the western Mediterranean fish stocks, further urgent actions are needed and significant reductions of fishing mortality are necessary for trawlers. For 2022, the maximum allowable fishing effort of trawlers, in accordance with Article 7(3)(b) of the plan, should therefore be reduced by 6 % compared to the 2015-17 baseline, to be deducted from the maximum allowable fishing effort set for 2021 by Council Regulation (EU) 2021/90 (3) and the additional effort reduction established at the level of Italian authorities.












(9)


STECF advised that, in order to attain the MSY targets for the western Mediterranean fish stocks, further urgent actions are needed, in particular to manage the fishing mortality for demersal longliners. For 2022, it is necessary to establish the maximum allowable fishing effort of longliners, in accordance with Article 7(5) of the plan, based on the fishing effort expressed as number of fishing days between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017. This maximum allowable fishing effort for longliners should not prejudge the maximum allowable fishing effort to be established for 2023.












(10)


In 2020, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in Geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs) 1-5-6-7 and GSAs 8-9-10-11 would need to decrease significantly to achieve MSY by 2025 at the latest. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC) also issued the same advice for fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in GSA 2. Moreover, STECF estimated that the biomass of blue and red shrimp was declining. In 2021, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of this species has not changed and further management measures are thus required. Given the scientific advice and the unchanged stocks situation, in accordance with Article 7(3)(b) of the plan, it is appropriate to complement the effort regime with maximum catch limits and establish a specific maximum catch limit for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1-2-5-6-7 and a maximum catch limit for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11.












(11)


In 2020, STECF advised that the biomass of giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 was declining. In 2021, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of this species has not changed and that the biomass is still declining. Given the scientific advice and the unchanged stocks situation, in accordance with Article 7(3)(b) of the plan, it is appropriate to complement the effort regime with maximum catch limits and establish a specific maximum catch limit for giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11.












(12)


At its 42nd annual meeting in 2018, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1 establishing management measures for European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the Mediterranean Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27). Those measures include catch or effort limits and an annual closure period of three consecutive months to be defined by each Member State in accordance with the conservation objectives of Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 (4), the national management plan or plans for eel and the temporal migration patterns of eel in the Member State. Where national management plans resulting in effort or catch reductions of at least 30 % have been in place before the entry into force of that Recommendation, the catch or fishing effort limits already established and implemented should not be exceeded. The closure should apply to all marine waters of the Mediterranean Sea and to brackish waters such as estuaries, coastal lagoons and transitional waters, in accordance with that Recommendation. The closure period is functionally linked to the fishing opportunities, as, without it in place, the level of catches or fishing effort should be reduced to ensure the recovery of the stock. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(13)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a maximum level of catch and a related fleet capacity ceiling for purse-seiners and pelagic trawlers targeting small pelagics. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(14)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/6 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable trawl fisheries targeting giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Levant Sea, amending Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/3 (GFCM geographical subareas 24, 25, 26 and 27), which introduced a freezing of fishing effort expressed in a maximum number of fishing vessels. That Recommendation prolonged existing measures for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(15)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/8 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable trawl fisheries targeting giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Ionian Sea, amending Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/4 (GFCM geographical subareas 19, 20 and 21), which introduced a freezing of fishing effort expressed in a maximum number of fishing vessels. That Recommendation prolonged existing measures for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(16)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/7 on management measures for sustainable trawl fisheries targeting giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Strait of Sicily, amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/6 (GFCM geographical subareas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16), which introduced a freezing on the fishing effort expressed in a maximum number of fishing vessels. That Recommendation prolonged existing measures for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(17)


At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a fishing effort regime and a related fleet capacity ceiling for certain demersal stocks. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(18)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/1 on the establishment of a fishing effort regime for key demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a maximum allowable fishing days, by type of trawl and fleet segment, for certain demersal stocks. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(19)


Taking into account the particularities of the Slovenian fleet and its marginal impact on the stocks of small pelagic and demersal species, it is appropriate to preserve the existing fishing patterns and to ensure access by the Slovenian fleet to a minimum quantity of small pelagic species and a minimum effort quota for demersal species.












(20)


At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM also adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/4 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of red coral (Corallium rubrum) in the Mediterranean Sea (GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27), which introduced a freezing of fishing effort expressed by a maximum number of fishing authorisations, and harvest limits for red coral. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(21)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/4 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea, amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/2 (GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2 and 3), which introduced a catch and effort limit based on the average level authorised and exerted over the period 2010–2015. That Recommendation prolonged existing measures for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(22)


At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/11 on management measures for the use of anchored fish aggregating devices in common dolphinfish fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea, amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/1 (GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27), which introduced a freezing of the fishing effort expressed in a maximum number of fishing vessels targeting common dolphinfish. That Recommendation prolonged existing measures for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(23)


At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3 amending Recommendation GFCM/41/2017/4 on a multiannual management plan for turbot fisheries in the Black Sea (GFCM geographical subarea 29). That recommendation introduced an updated regional Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and a quota allocation scheme for turbot, as well as further conservation measures, in particular a two months closure period and a limitation of fishing days to 180 days per year. These additional measures are functionally linked to the fishing opportunities, as, without those measures in place, TAC level for turbot should be reduced to ensure its recovery. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.












(24)


In accordance with the scientific advice provided by the GFCM, it is necessary to maintain the current level of fishing mortality to ensure the sustainability of the stock of sprat in the Black Sea. It is therefore appropriate to continue setting an autonomous quota for that stock.












(25)


The fishing opportunities should be established on the basis of the available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socioeconomic aspects whilst ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors, as well as in the light of the opinions expressed during the consultation of stakeholders.












(26)


The use of fishing opportunities available to Union fishing vessels set out in this Regulation is subject to Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 (5), and in particular to Articles 33 and 34 of that Regulation, concerning the recording of catches and fishing effort and the notification of data on the exhaustion of fishing opportunities. It is therefore necessary to specify the codes to be used by Member States when sending data to the Commission relating to landings of stocks subject to this Regulation.












(27)


The use of fishing opportunities available to Union fishing vessels set out in this Regulation is subject to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6) implementing certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM Agreement area.












(28)


Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 (7) introduced additional conditions for the year-to-year management of TACs including, under Articles 3 and 4 of that Regulation, flexibility provisions for precautionary and analytical TACs. Under Article 2 of that Regulation, when fixing the TACs, the Council is to decide to which stocks Article 3 or 4 of that Regulation is not to apply, in particular on the basis of the biological status of the stocks. More recently, the year-to-year flexibility mechanism was introduced by Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 for all stocks that are subject to the landing obligation. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive flexibility that would undermine the principle of rational and responsible exploitation of marine biological resources, hinder the achievement of the objectives of the CFP and deteriorate the biological status of the stocks, it should be established that Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 apply to analytical TACs only where the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 is not used.












(29)


In order to avoid the interruption of fishing activities and to ensure the livelihood of Union fishermen, this Regulation should apply from 1 January 2022. For reasons of urgency, this Regulation should enter into force immediately after its publication.












(30)


Fishing opportunities should be used in full compliance with Union law,





HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:



TITLE I


GENERAL PROVISIONS



Article 1

Subject matter

This Regulation fixes for 2022 the fishing opportunities available in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks.


Article 2

Scope


1.   This Regulation applies to Union fishing vessels exploiting the following fish stocks:






(a)


European eel (Anguilla anguilla), red coral (Corallium rubrum) and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea, as defined in Article 4(b);










(b)


blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the western Mediterranean Sea, as defined in Article 4(c);










(c)


anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the Adriatic Sea, as defined in Article 4(d);










(d)


European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), common sole (Solea solea), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the Adriatic Sea, as defined in Article 4(d);










(e)


giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Strait of Sicily as defined in Article 4(e), in the Ionian Sea as defined in Article 4(f) and in the Levant Sea as defined in Article 4(g);










(f)


blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea, as defined in Article 4(h);










(g)


sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea, as defined in Article 4(i).






2.   This Regulation also applies to recreational fisheries where they are expressly referred to in the relevant provisions.



Article 3

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the definitions laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 apply. In addition, the following definitions apply:






(a)


‘international waters’ means waters falling outside the sovereignty or jurisdiction of any State;










(b)


‘recreational fisheries’ means non-commercial fishing activities exploiting marine living aquatic resources for recreation, tourism or sport;










(c)


‘total allowable catch’ (TAC) means:






(i)


in fisheries subject to the exemption of the landing obligation referred to in Article 15(4) to (7) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the quantity of fish that can be landed from each stock each year;










(ii)


in all other fisheries, the quantity of fish that can be caught from each stock over the period of a year;














(d)


‘quota’ means a proportion of the TAC allocated to the Union or a Member State;










(e)


‘Union autonomous quota’ means a catch limit autonomously allocated to Union fishing vessels in the absence of an agreed TAC;










(f)


‘analytical quota’ means a Union autonomous quota for which an analytical assessment is available;










(g)


‘analytical assessment’ means a quantitative evaluation of trends in a given stock, based on data about the stock’s biology and exploitation, which scientific review has indicated to be of sufficient quality to provide scientific advice on options for future catches;










(h)


‘fish aggregating device’ (FAD) means any anchored equipment floating on the sea surface with the objective of attracting fish.






Article 4

Fishing zones

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following zone definitions apply:






(a)


‘GFCM geographical subareas’ mean the areas defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(b)


‘Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(c)


‘Western Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(d)


‘Adriatic Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(e)


‘Strait of Sicily’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(f)


‘Ionian Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 19, 20 and 21, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(g)


‘Levant Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 24, 25, 26 and 27, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(h)


‘Alboran Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 3, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011;










(i)


‘Black Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subarea 29, as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011.







TITLE II


FISHING OPPORTUNITIES




CHAPTER I




Mediterranean Sea




Article 5

European eel


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European eel (Anguilla anguilla), namely targeted, incidental and recreational fisheries, in all marine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, including freshwaters and transitional brackish waters, such as lagoons and estuaries.


2.   It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels to fish for European eel in Union and international waters of the Mediterranean Sea for a consecutive three-month period to be determined by each Member State. The fishing closure period shall be consistent with the conservation objectives set out in Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007, with national management plans in place and with the temporal migration patterns of European eel in the Member States concerned. Member States shall communicate the period determined to the Commission no later than one month prior to the entry into force of the closure and in any case no later than 31 January 2022.


3.   Member States shall not exceed the maximum level of catches or fishing effort of European eel established and implemented by means of their national management plans, adopted in accordance with Articles 2 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007.



Article 6

Red coral


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities harvesting red coral (Corallium rubrum), namely targeted and recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea.


2.   For targeted fisheries, the maximum number of fishing authorisations and the maximum quantities of red coral stocks harvested by Union fishing vessels and Union harvesting activities shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex I.


3.   It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels subject to paragraph 2 to tranship red coral at sea.


4.   For recreational fisheries, Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the catch and retention on board, transhipment or landing of red coral.



Article 7

Common dolphinfish


1.   This Article applies to all commercial activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities using fish aggregating devices for catching common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.


2.   The maximum number of vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish is set out in Annex II.





CHAPTER II




Western Mediterranean Sea




Article 8

Demersal stocks


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching demersal stocks referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, in the western Mediterranean Sea.


2.   The maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners is set out in Annex III to this Regulation. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022.


3.   The allocation among Member States of maximum catch limits for Union fishing vessels in Union waters of the western Mediterranean Sea is set out in Annex III.


4.   Special provisions on allocation of fishing opportunities:






(a)


The allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States, as set out in this Regulation, shall be in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.










(b)


The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States, as set out in this Regulation, shall be without prejudice to:






—


exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;










—


deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;










—


additional landings allowed under Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;










—


quantities withheld in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or transferred under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;










—


deductions made pursuant to Articles 105, 106 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.











Article 9

Data transmission

Member States shall record and transmit the fishing effort data to the Commission in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022.
When submitting effort data to the Commission in accordance with this Article, Member States shall use the fishing effort group codes set out in Annex III.




CHAPTER III




Adriatic Sea




Article 10

Small pelagic stocks


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Adriatic Sea.


2.   The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex IV.


3.   The maximum fleet capacity, expressed as kW, GT and number, of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagic stocks, is set out in Annex IV.



Article 11

Demersal stocks


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European hake (Merluccius merluccius), Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), common sole (Solea solea), deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) in the Adriatic Sea.


2.   The maximum allowable fishing effort and the maximum fleet capacity for demersal stocks within the scope of this Article are set out in Annex IV.


3.   A Member State may amend its fishing effort allocation as set out in Annex IV by transferring fishing days across fishing effort groups of the same geographical area and/or gear, provided that it applies a national conversion factor which is supported by the best available scientific advice.


4.   Member States shall manage the maximum allowable effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.



Article 12

Data transmission

When, pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings of quantities of stocks caught, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex IV.




CHAPTER IV




Ionian Sea, Levant Sea and the Strait of Sicily




Article 13

1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus), in the Ionian Sea, Levant Sea and the Strait of Sicily.


2.   The maximum number of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks is set out in Annex V.





CHAPTER V




Alboran Sea




Article 14

1.   This Article applies to commercial fishing with longlines and handlines by Union fishing vessels catching blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea.


2.   The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VI.





CHAPTER VI




Black Sea




Article 15

Allocation of fishing opportunities for sprat


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Black Sea.


2.   The Union autonomous quota for sprat, the allocation of such quota among Member States and the conditions functionally linked thereto, where appropriate, are set out in Annex VII.



Article 16

Allocation of fishing opportunities for turbot


1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea.


2.   The TAC for turbot applicable in Union waters in the Black Sea and the allocation of such TAC among Member States and the conditions functionally linked thereto, where appropriate, are set out in Annex VII.



Article 17

Management of fishing effort for turbot

Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for turbot within the scope of Article 16, irrespective of the vessels’ length overall, shall not fish for more than 180 fishing days per year.


Article 18

Closure period for turbot

It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels to carry out any fishing activity, including transhipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale of turbot in Union waters in the Black Sea from 15 April to 15 June.


Article 19

Special provisions on allocations of fishing opportunities in the Black Sea


1.   The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States as set out in Articles 15 and 16 of this Regulation shall be without prejudice to:






(a)


exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;










(b)


deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009; and










(c)


deductions made pursuant to Articles 105 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.






2.   Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.



Article 20

Data transmission

When, pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings of quantities of stocks of sprat and turbot caught in Union waters in the Black Sea, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex VII.




TITLE III


FINAL PROVISIONS



Article 21

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 1 January 2022.





This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 27 January 2022.


For the Council


The President

J.-Y. LE DRIAN
            





(1)  Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 22).

(2)  Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea and amending Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 1).

(3)  Council Regulation (EU) 2021/90 of 28 January 2021 fixing for 2021 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (OJ L 31, 29.1.2021, p. 1).

(4)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 of 18 September 2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel (OJ L 248, 22.9.2007, p. 17).

(5)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1).

(6)  Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea (OJ L 347, 30.12.2011, p. 44).

(7)  Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 of 6 May 1996 introducing additional conditions for year-to-year management of TACs and quotas (OJ L 115, 9.5.1996, p. 3).




ANNEX I
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GENERAL FISHERIES COMMISSION FOR THE MEDITERRENEAN MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RED CORAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable number of fishing authorisations and the maximum level of harvested quantities of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea.
The reference to fishing zones are references to the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterrenean (GFCM) geographical subareas (GSAs).
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Corallium rubrum



COL


Red coral







Table 1.
Maximum number of fishing authorisations (1)







Member States


Red coral COL




Greece


12




Spain


0 (2)





France


32




Croatia


28




Italy


40







Table 2.
Maximum level of harvested quantities expressed in tonnes live weight









Species:


Red coral

Corallium rubrum



Zone:


Union waters in the Mediterranean Sea – GSA 1-27
COL/GF1-27




Greece


1,844 


 


Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.




Spain


0  (2)



 




France


1,400 


 




Croatia


1,226 


 




Italy


1,378 


 




Union


5,848 


 




TAC


Not relevant/Not agreed






(1)  Representing number of vessels and/or divers, or a pair of one diver with one vessel, authorised to harvest red coral.

(2)  According to the temporal ban for red coral fisheries established in Spanish waters.





ANNEX II
FISHING EFFORT FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON DOLPHINFISH STOCKS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The table in this Annex sets out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The reference to fishing zones are references to the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Coryphaena hippurus



DOL


Common dolphinfish




Maximum number of fishing authorisations for vessels operating in international waters (1)







Member State


Common dolphinfish DOL




Italy


797




Malta


130






(1)  This quota may be fished only between 15 August and 31 December 2022 in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011.





ANNEX III
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DEMERSAL STOCKS IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by stock groups, as defined in Article 1 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, maximum catch limits and overall length of vessels for all types of trawls (1) and demersal longliners fishing for demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 and Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
The reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Aristaeomorpha foliacea



ARS


Giant red shrimp





Aristeus antennatus



ARA


Blue and red shrimp





Merluccius merluccius



HKE


European hake





Mullus barbatus



MUT


Red mullet





Nephrops norvegicus



NEP


Norway lobster





Parapenaeus longirostris



DPS


Deep-water rose shrimp




Maximum allowable fishing effort in fishing days






(a)


Trawlers in Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1-2-5-6-7) (2)











Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Red mullet in GSAs 1, 5, 6 and 7; Hake in GSAs 1, 5, 6 and 7; Deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 1, 5 and 6; Norway lobster in GSAs 5 and 6.


< 12 m


1 921 


0 


0 


EFF1/MED1_TR1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


20 641 


0 


0 


EFF1/MED1_TR2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


38 728 


4 372 


0 


EFF1/MED1_TR3




≥ 24 m


13 640 


5 320 


0 


EFF1/MED1_TR4














Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.


< 12 m


0 


0 


0 


EFF2/MED1_TR1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


968 


0 


0 


EFF2/MED1_TR2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


9 805 


0 


0 


EFF2/MED1_TR3




≥ 24 m


7 871 


0 


0 


EFF2/MED1_TR4














(b)


Trawlers in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8-9-10-11) (3)











Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Red mullet in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11; Hake in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11; Deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 9, 10 and 11; Norway lobster in GSAs 9 and 10.


< 12 m


0 


177 


2 534 


EFF1/MED2_TR1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


0 


709 


38 110 


EFF1/MED2_TR2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


0 


177 


25 629 


EFF1/MED2_TR3




≥ 24 m


0 


177 


3 421 


EFF1/MED2_TR4














Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Giant red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11.


< 12 m


0 


0 


419 


EFF2/MED2_TR1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


0 


0 


3 091 


EFF2/MED2_TR2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


0 


0 


2 489 


EFF2/MED2_TR3




≥ 24 m


0 


0 


333 


EFF2/MED2_TR4














(c)


Demersal longliners in Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1-2-5-6-7)










Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Red mullet in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7; Hake in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7


< 12 m


9 433 


6 432 


0 


EFF1/MED1_LL1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


2 148 


93 


0 


EFF1/MED1_LL2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


74 


0 


0 


EFF1/MED1_LL3




≥ 24 m


29 


0 


0 


EFF1/MED1_LL4














(d)


Demersal longliners in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8-9-10-11)










Stock group


Overall length of vessels


Spain


France


Italy


Fishing effort group code




Red mullet in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11; Hake in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11


< 12 m


0 


1 650 


33 187 


EFF1/MED2_LL1




≥ 12 m and < 18 m


0 


51 


4 748 


EFF1/MED2_LL2




≥ 18 m and < 24 m


0 


0 


26 


EFF1/MED2_LL3




≥ 24 m


0 


0 


0 


EFF1/MED2_LL4








Maximum catch limit






(e)


fishing opportunities for blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1-2-5-6-7) expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight









Species:


Blue and red shrimp

Aristeus antennatus



Zone:


GSA 1-2-5-6-7
(ARA/GF1-7)




Spain


872 


 


 




France


56 


 


 




Italy


0 


 


 




Union


928 


 


 




TAC


Not relevant


 


Maximum level of catches














(f)


Fishing opportunities for blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) and giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8-9-10-11) expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight









Species:


Blue and red shrimp

(Aristeus antennatus)


Zone:


GSA 9-10-11
(ARA/GF9-11)




Spain


0 


 


 




France


9 


 


 




Italy


250 


 


 




Union


259 


 


 




TAC


Not relevant


 


Maximum level of catches













Species:


Giant red shrimp

(Aristaeomorpha foliacea)



Zone:


GSA 8-9-10-11
(ARS/GF9-11)




Spain


0 


 


 




France


5 


 


 




Italy


365 


 


 




Union


370 


 


 




TAC


Not relevant


 


Maximum level of catches










(1)  TBB, OTB, PTB, TBN, TBS, TB, OTM, PTM, TMS, TM, OTT, OT, PT, TX, OTP, TSP.

(2)  In addition to the above-mentioned maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers, a Member State may grant to vessels flying its flag an additional allocation of fishing days within an overall 2 % of the fishing effort of that Member State for the fleet segment concerned. A Member State may do so, provided that:






a)


those vessels use a trawl net with 45 mm square mesh size codend in order to reduce by at least 25 % of catches of the juveniles of hake; or










b)


those vessels use a trawl net with mesh size codend of 50 mm square mesh size for deep water fisheries in order to reduce by at least 25 % of catches of blue and red shrimps less than 25 mm carapace length (CL) in geographical subareas 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and to reduce by at least 25 % catches of giant red shrimps in the geographical subareas 8, 9, 10 and 11 less than 35 mm CL; or










c)


those vessels use a regulated highly selective gear, the technical specifications of which result in, according to the scientific study by STECF, at least a reduction of 25 % of juveniles or at least 20 % of catches of spawners of all demersal species compared to 2020; or










d)


the Member State concerned has adopted temporary closure areas in order to reduce by at least 25 % the catches of juveniles of demersal species or at least 20 % of catches of spawners of all demersal species.




The Member State concerned shall notify to the Commission the list of the fishing vessels concerned by such an additional allocation of fishing days. The Member State concerned shall also separately notify every month to the Commission the additional allocation.
The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission, at the latest by 15 October, all available information related to the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph a), b), c) or d).
The overall 2 % of the fishing effort shall be calculated from the effort allocation of the concerned fleet segment as from the date of the notification of the concerned Member State.

(3)  In addition to the above-mentioned maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers, a Member State may grant to vessels flying its flag an additional allocation of fishing days within an overall 2 % of the fishing effort of that Member State for the fleet segment concerned. A Member State may do so, provided that:






a)


those vessels use a trawl net with 45 mm square mesh size codend in order to reduce by at least 25 % of catches of the juveniles of hake; or










b)


those vessels use a trawl net with mesh size codend of 50 mm square mesh size for deep water fisheries in order to reduce by at least 25 % of catches of blue and red shrimps less than 25 mm CL in geographical subareas 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and to reduce by at least 25 % catches of giant red shrimps in the geographical subareas 8, 9, 10 and 11 less than 35 mm CL; or










c)


those vessels use a regulated highly selective gear, the technical specifications of which result in, according to the scientific study by STECF, at least a reduction of 25 % of juveniles or at least 20 % of catches of spawners of all demersal species compared to 2020; or










d)


the Member State concerned has adopted temporary closure areas in order to reduce by at least 25 % the catches of juveniles of demersal species or at least 20 % of catches of spawners of all demersal species.




The Member State concerned shall notify to the Commission the list of the fishing vessels concerned by such an additional allocation of fishing days. The Member State concerned shall also separately notify every month to the Commission the additional allocation.
The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission, at the latest by 15 October, all available information related to the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph a), b), c) or d).
The overall 2 % of the fishing effort shall be calculated from the effort allocation of the concerned fleet segment as from the date of the notification of the concerned Member State.





ANNEX IV
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the fishing opportunities by stock or vessels effort groups and the conditions functionally linked thereto, where appropriate, including the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagics.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
The reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Engraulis encrasicolus



ANE


Anchovy





Merluccius merluccius



HKE


European hake





Mullus barbatus



MUT


Red mullet





Nephrops norvegicus



NEP


Norway lobster





Parapenaeus longirostris



DPS


Deep-water rose shrimp





Sardina pilchardus



PIL


Sardine





Solea solea



SOL


Common sole




1.   Small pelagic stocks – GSAs 17 and 18
Maximum level of catches expressed in tonnes live weight









Species:


Small pelagic species (anchovy and sardine)

Engraulis encrasicolus and Sardina pilchardus



Zone:


Union and International waters of GFCM-GSAs 17 and 18
(SP1/GF1718)




Italy


35 394 



 (1)



Maximum level of catches
Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply




Croatia


56 304 




TAC


Not relevant




Maximum fleet capacity of trawlers and purse seiners actively fishing for small pelagics









Member State


Gear


Number of vessels


kW


GT




Croatia


PS


249


77 145,52 


18 537,72 




Italy


PTM-OTM-PS


685


134 556,7 


25 852 




Slovenia (2)



PS


4


433,7


38,5




2.   Demersal stocks – GSAs 17 and 18
Maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by types of trawls and fleet segment fishing for demersal stocks in GSAs 17 and 18 (Adriatic Sea).












 


 


 


 


 


Fishing Days 2022




Gear type


Geographical area


Stocks concerned


Overall length of vessels


Effort group code


ITALY


CROATIA


SLOVENIA (3)





Trawls (OTB)


GFCM sub-areas 17-18


Red mullet; Hake; Deep-water rose shrimp, and Norway lobster


< 12 m


EFF/MED3_OTB_TR1


3 521 


10 388 


 




≥ 12 m and < 24 m


EFF/MED3_OTB_TR2


79 139 


24 202 


 




≥ 24 m


EFF/MED3_OTB_TR3


6 934 


2 173 


 




Beam trawls (TBB)


GFCM sub-area 17


Common sole


< 12 m


EFF/MED3_TBB_TR1


200


0


 




≥ 12 m and < 24 m


EFF/MED3_TBB_TR2


3 747 


0


 




≥ 24 m


EFF/MED3_TBB_TR3


3 726 


0


 




Maximum fleet capacity of bottom trawler and beam trawl vessels authorised for fishing demersal stocks









Member State


Gear


Number of vessels


kW


GT




Croatia


OTB


495


79 867,99 


13 267,99 




Italy


OTB-TBB


1 363 


260 618,37 


47 148 




Slovenia (*1)



OTB


11


1 813,00 


168,67






(1)  Concerning Slovenia, the quantities are based on the level of catches exerted in 2014, up to an amount that should not exceed 300 tonnes.

(2)  The provision under paragraph 28 of GFCM/44/2020/20 shall not apply to the national fleets of less than ten purse seiners and/or pelagic trawlers actively fishing for small pelagic stocks, as recorded both in national and GFCM register in 2014. In such case, the capacity of the active fleet may increase by not more than 50 percent in number of vessels and in terms of gross tonnage (GT) and/or gross registered tonnage (GRT) and kW.

(3)  Slovenia shall not exceed the effort limit of 3 000 fishing days per year in accordance with paragraph 13 of GFCM/43/2019/5.

(*1)  The provisions of paragraphs 9(c) and 28 of GFCM/43/2019/5 shall not apply to national fleets operating with OTB and fishing for less than 1 000 days during the reference period mentioned in paragraph 9(c). The fishing capacity of the active fleet operating with OTB shall not increase by more than 50 percent with respect to the reference period.





ANNEX V
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE IONIAN SEA, LEVANT SEA AND THE STRAIT OF SICILY
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks in the Ionian Sea, Levant Sea and the Strait of Sicily.
The reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Aristaeomorpha foliacea



ARS


Giant red shrimp





Aristeus antennatus



ARA


Blue and red shrimp










(a)


Maximum number of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19-20-21)







Member State


Giant red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 19, 20 and 21


Blue and red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 19, 20 and 21




Greece


263


263




Italy


410


410




Malta


15


15














(b)


Maximum number of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish in Levant Sea (GSAs 24-25-26-27)







Member State


Giant red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 24-25-26-27


Blue and red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 24-25-26-27




Italy


80


80




Cyprus


6


6














(c)


Maximum number of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish in Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16)







Member State


Giant red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 12-13-14-15-16


Blue and red shrimp in Union waters of GSAs 12-13-14-15-16




Spain


2


2




Italy


320


320




Cyprus


1


1




Malta


15


15













ANNEX VI
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ALBORAN SEA
Maximum level of catches carried out by longlines and handlines expressed in tonnes live weight









Species:


Blackspotseabream

Pagellus bogaraveo



Zone:


Union waters in the Alboran Sea – GSA 1-3
SBR/GF1-3




Spain


225


 


Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.




Union


225


 




TAC


Not relevant/Not agreed









ANNEX VII
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE BLACK SEA
The tables in this Annex set out TACs and quotas expressed in tonnes live weight by stock and, where appropriate, conditions functionally linked thereto.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
The reference to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names is provided:







Scientific name


Alpha-3 code


Common name





Sprattus sprattus



SPR


Sprat





Scophthalmus maximus



TUR


Turbot
















Species:


Sprat

Sprattus sprattus



Zone:


Union waters in the Black Sea – GSA 29
(SPR/F3742C)




Bulgaria


8 032,50 


 


Analytical quota
Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply




Romania


3 442,50 


 




Union


11 475 


 




TAC


Not relevant/Not agreed
















Species:


Turbot

Scophthalmus maximus



Zone:


Union waters in the Black Sea – GSA 29
(TUR/F3742C)




Bulgaria


75


 


Analytical TAC
Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply




Romania


75


 




Union


150



 (*1)





TAC


857


 






(*1)  No fishing activity, including transhipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale shall be permitted from 15 April to 15 June 2022.