L 303/4
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
23.11.2022
(8)
Regarding Scallops (Pecten jacobaeus) and Carpet clams (Venerupis spp.), the STECF highlighted, that additional evidence has been submitted as regards Scallops (Pecten jacobaeus).
The Commission acknowledges the existence of scientific studies and publications in relation to these two species and other similar bivalve species caught by mechanised dredges in other sea basins and that have been assessed in the past by the STECF.
Regarding the similarities with the Western Mediterranean Scallops (Pecten jacobaeus) and Carpet clams (Venerupis spp.), the likely high survivability of those species is to be considered in relation to these two species while requesting Member States to develop studies in the Western Mediterranean.
(9)
As the evidence on the survival rates of Scallops (Pecten jacobaeus) and Carpet clams (Venerupis spp.) is inconclusive and STECF concluded that further scientific evidence on the survivability need to be provided for those bivalve species in the western Mediterranean Sea, the Commission considers that the exemption should be extended only for a short period.
The Member States concerned should therefore submit the relevant scientific evidence for STECF to evaluate.
(10)
The Member States concerned renewed their commitment in the updated joint recommendation of 8 July 2022 to increase the selectivity of the fishing gears in accordance with the results of current research programmes in order to reduce and limit unwanted catches and particularly catches below minimum conservation reference sizes.
(11)
Furthermore, the Member States concerned also committed in the updated joint recommendation of 8 July 2022 to identify further closure areas in order to reduce juvenile mortality, where there is evidence of a high concentration of juvenile fish.
(12)
The measures proposed by the updated joint recommendation of 8 July 2022 are in line with Article 15(4), Article 15(5), points (b), and Article 18(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2066 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(13)
Since the measures provided for in this Regulation impact directly on the planning of the fishing season of Union vessels and on related economic activities, this Regulation should enter into force immediately after its publication.
It should however apply from a later date,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1 Article 3 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2066 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 1, points (a), (b) and (c) are replaced by the following: ‘(a) scallop (Pecten jacobeus) caught with mechanised dredges (HMD) until 31 December 2023; (b) Carpet clams (Venerupis spp.) caught with mechanised dredges (HMD) until 31 December 2023; (c) Venus shells (Venus spp.) caught with mechanised dredges (HMD) until 31 December 2024;’; (b) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: ‘3.
By 1 May 2022 and 2023, the Member States having a direct management interest in the fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea shall submit to the Commission additional discard data and any other relevant scientific evidence supporting the exemption laid down in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 1.
The STECF shall assess the data and information submitted by 31 July at the latest.’.
Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.