CELEX ID: 32023R0195

--- ENGLISH ---

Document:
31.1.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
L 28/220
COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2023/195
of 30 January 2023
fixing for 2023 the fishing opportunities for certain stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/110 as regards the fishing opportunities for 2022 applicable in the Mediterranean and the 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 for the relevant geographical areas or fields of competence and joint recommendations made by Member States.
(2)
The Council is to adopt measures on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, including certain conditions functionally linked to those fishing opportunities, 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 the 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. The objective of the transitional period until 2020 was to balance the achievement of MSY for all stocks with the potential socioeconomic implications of the possible adjustments of related fishing opportunities.
(4)
Therefore, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, total allowable catches (TACs) should be set on the basis of available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socioeconomic aspects whilst ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors, as well as the opinions expressed during consultations 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 reach and maintain MSY for target stocks, ensuring that the 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 MSY on a progressive, incremental basis by 2020, where possible, and by 1 January 2025 at the latest. Fishing opportunities should be expressed as the maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners and fixed in accordance with the fishing effort regime laid down in Article 7 of the plan, and as maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp (
Aristeus antennatus
) and giant red shrimp (
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
) in deep waters in accordance with scientific advice and Article 7(3), point (b), of the plan.
(8)
STECF advised that, in order to attain the MSY targets for all the western Mediterranean fish stocks, further actions are needed and significant reductions of fishing mortality are necessary for trawlers. Based on such advice, for 2023, the maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers in the western Mediterranean Sea, in accordance with Article 7(3), point (b), of the plan, should therefore be reduced by 7 % compared to the baseline between 2015 and 2017, to be deducted from the maximum allowable fishing effort set for 2022 by Council Regulation (EU) 2022/110 
(
3
)
.
(9)
In 2021 STECF advised that longliners cause up to 10 % of the Hake fishing mortality in GFCM geographical subareas (GSAs) 1-5-6-7 and constitute up to 20 % of the Hake landings in GSA 10, while catches with that gear are predominantly spawners. STECF advised that the Hake stocks spawning biomass has steadily declined over the last years and the number of hake spawners in GSAs 1-5-6-7 has dropped by 66 % while it declined by 28 % in GSAs 8-9-10-11 since the beginning of the assessments. On that basis, Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2022/110 established 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. In 2022, STECF assessed that the spawning stock biomass of Hake in GSAs 1-5-6-7 and Hake in GSAs 8-9-10-11 is still below the biomass limit reference point (B
LIM
), within the meaning of Article 2, point (10), of the plan, and that catches should be reduced by at least 57 % in GSAs 1-5-6-7 and 78 % in GSAs 8-9-10-11, in order to reach F
MSY
 in 2023. It is therefore appropriate to maintain, for 2023, the maximum allowable fishing effort of longliners at the levels set for 2022 by Regulation (EU) 2022/110, in accordance with Article 7(5) of the plan. That maximum allowable fishing effort for longliners, expressed in fishing days, should not prejudge the maximum allowable fishing effort to be established for 2024.
(10)
In 2021, the STECF advised that the fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in 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 Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) issued a similar advice for fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in GSA 2. Furthermore, the STECF estimated that the biomass of blue and red shrimp was declining. On the basis of the advice received, Regulation (EU) 2022/110 established, for 2022, the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1-5-6-7 and GSAs 8-9-10-11.
(11)
In 2022, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1-2-5-6-7 remains far from sustainable levels and further management measures are thus required. STECF advised that, in order to reach F
MSY
 by 2023, catches should be reduced on average by 53 % because that species in GSAs 1-2 is below B
LIM
, while that species in GSAs 6-7 is below the biomass precautionary reference point (B
PA
), within the meaning of Article 2, point (11), of the plan. In accordance with Article 7(3), point (b), of the plan, it is therefore appropriate to continue setting maximum catch limits to complement the trawling effort regime. In light of the scientific advice, for 2023, the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1-2-5-6-7 should be reduced by 5 % compared to the fishing opportunities set for 2022 by Regulation (EU) 2022/110.
(12)
In 2022, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 remains above sustainable levels and further management measures are thus required. STECF advised that, in order to reach F
MSY
 by 2023, catches should be reduced by 30 %. In accordance with Article 7(3), point (b), of the plan, it is therefore appropriate to continue setting maximum catch limits to complement the trawling effort regime. In light of the scientific advice, for 2023, the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 should be reduced by 3 % compared to the fishing opportunities set for 2022 by Regulation (EU) 2022/110.
(13)
In 2021, STECF advised that the biomass of giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 was declining and that the fishing mortality of that stock would need to decrease significantly to achieve MSY by 2025 at the latest. On the basis of the advice received, Regulation (EU) 2022/110 established, for 2022, the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11.
(14)
In 2022, STECF advised that the biomass of giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 is declining and the fishing mortality remains above sustainable levels and further management measures are thus required. STECF advised that, in order to reach F
MSY
 by 2023, catches should be reduced by 27 % because that species in GSAs 8-9-10-11 is above B
PA
. In accordance with Article 7(3), point (b), of the plan, it is therefore appropriate to continue setting maximum catch limits to complement the trawling effort regime with maximum catch limits. In light of the scientific advice, for 2023, the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp in GSAs 8-9-10-11 should be reduced by 3 % compared to the fishing opportunities set for 2022 by Regulation (EU) 2022/110.
(15)
In 2022, STECF estimated that blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1-2, hake in GSAs 1-5-6-7 and hake in GSAs 8-9-10-11 have spawning stock biomasses below B
LIM
, indicating that their reproductive capacities might be reduced. The combination of all the measures adopted with regard to those stocks includes the further remedial measures required under Article 6(2) of the plan.
(16)
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 (geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a fishing effort regime and a fleet capacity ceiling for certain demersal stocks. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(17)
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 stocks in the Adriatic Sea (geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a maximum allowable number of fishing days, by type of trawl and fleet segment, for certain demersal stocks. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(18)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/8 on the implementation of a fishing effort regime for key demersal stocks in the Adriatic Sea in 2023 (geographical subareas 17 and 18), stemming from Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5, which introduced a fishing effort regime. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(19)
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 (geographical subareas 17 and 18), which introduced a maximum level of catches and a related fleet capacity ceiling for purse seiners and pelagic trawlers targeting small pelagic stocks, with a derogation for national fleets with fewer than 10 purse seiners and/or pelagic trawlers actively fishing for small pelagic stocks. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(20)
Taking into account the particularities of the Slovenian fleet and its marginal impact on the small pelagic stocks and demersal stocks, it is appropriate to preserve existing fishing patterns and to ensure access by the Slovenian fleet to a minimum quantity of small pelagic species and a minimum effort allocation for demersal stocks.
(21)
At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/4 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea (geographical subareas 1 to 27), which introduced a freezing of fishing effort expressed as a maximum number of fishing authorisations, and harvest limits for red coral. 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 (geographical subareas 1 to 27), amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/1. Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/1 introduced a freezing of the fishing effort expressed as a maximum number of fishing vessels targeting common dolphinfish and Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/11 extended those measures until the end of 2023. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(23)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (geographical subareas 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/12 and GFCM/42/2018/5. That Recommendation introduced an effort regime for the hake and catch limits for the deep-water rose shrimps, as well as a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(24)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (geographical subareas 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/7 and GFCM/43/2019/6. That Recommendation introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(25)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (geographical subareas 19 to 21), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/8 and GFCM/42/2018/4. That Recommendation introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(26)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (geographical subareas 24 to 27), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/8 and GFCM/42/2018/4. That Recommendation introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(27)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/3 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea (geographical subareas 1 to 3), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/4, GFCM/43/2019/2 and GFCM/41/2017/2. That Recommendation introduced maximum levels of catches for 2023, 2024 and 2025, a maximum number of longlines and handlines authorised and new measures for recreational fisheries. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(28)
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 (geographical subarea 29). Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3 introduced an updated regional TAC and a quota allocation scheme for turbot, as well as further conservation measures, in particular a two-month closure period and a limitation of fishing days to 180 days per year. Those further conservation measures are functionally linked to the fishing opportunities as, without those measures in place, the TAC level for turbot should be reduced to ensure its recovery. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(29)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/9 on a multiannual management plan for turbot fisheries in the Black Sea (geographical subarea 29), amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/3. That Recommendation prolonged the existing TAC for one year. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.
(30)
At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted a decision observing that during the year 2021 the Union had underexploited its quota for turbot and approving a carry-over of the unused quota in view of the exceptional situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. That GFCM decision should be implemented in Union law. The distribution of the fishing opportunities arising from the under-exploitation should be carried out on the basis of the respective contribution of each Member State towards the under-exploitation, without modifying the distribution key established in Regulation (EU) 2022/110 concerning the annual allocation of TACs.
(31)
Based on the scientific advice provided by the GFCM Working group of the Black Sea, the current level of fishing mortality should be maintained 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.
(32)
The use of the fishing opportunities available to Union fishing vessels set out in this Regulation is subject to Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 
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4
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 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.
(33)
In order to avoid the interruption of fishing activities and to ensure the livelihood of Union fishers, this Regulation should apply from 1 January 2023. To facilitate its rapid implementation, this Regulation should enter into force immediately upon its publication.
(34)
In order to promote the use of the selectivity of fishing gear and to establish efficient closure areas to protect juveniles and spawners, Regulation (EU) 2022/110 established a compensation mechanism in relation to the effort regime for trawlers. Based on the experience of the first year of application and in order to ensure the full efficiency of the compensation mechanism, it is necessary to clarify how that mechanism should be implemented, including retroactively from 1 January 2022, when Regulation (EU) 2022/110 entered into force. Regulation (EU) 2022/110 should therefore be amended accordingly. In addition, as scientific advice continues to recommend the further improvement of selectivity of fishing gear and of efficiency of closure areas to protect juvenile fish, that mechanism should continue in 2023. Based on scientific advice for 2023, it is necessary to allocate 3,5 % of fishing days for trawlers, calculated from the baseline between 2015 and 2017.
(35)
The 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 2023 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks available in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It also clarifies the application, in 2022, of the compensation mechanism established by Regulation (EU) 2022/110 in relation to the effort regime for trawlers.
Article 2
Scope
1.   This Regulation applies to Union fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and exploiting the following fish stocks:
(a)
red coral (
Corallium rubrum
) and common dolphinfish (
Coryphaena hippurus
) in the Mediterranean Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (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, point (c);
(c)
anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) and sardine (
Sardina pilchardus
) in the Adriatic Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (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, point (d);
(e)
giant red shrimp (
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
) and blue and red shrimp (
Aristeus antennatus
) in the Strait of Sicily, as defined in Article 4, point (e), in the Ionian Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (f), and in the Levant Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (g);
(f)
blackspot seabream (
Pagellus bogaraveo
) in the Alboran Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (h);
(g)
sprat (
Sprattus sprattus
) and turbot (
Scophthalmus maximus
) in the Black Sea, as defined in Article 4, point (i).
2.   This Regulation also applies to other Union fishing activities, including 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 geographical zone definitions apply:
(a)
‘GFCM geographical subareas’ mean the areas defined in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1343/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
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5
)
;
(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
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 by other Union fishing 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 or transhipment or landing of red coral.
Article 6
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 7
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 and Articles 26 to 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
3.   The allocation among Member States of maximum catch limits for Union fishing vessels in Union waters of the western Mediterranean Sea is also set out in Annex III.
4.   The allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States, as set out in this Article and Annex III, shall fulfil the following conditions:
(a)
it shall be in accordance with the criteria set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; and
(b)
it shall be without prejudice to:
(i)
exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(ii)
deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;
(iii)
additional landings allowed under Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(iv)
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;
(v)
deductions made pursuant to Articles 105, 106 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Article 8
Compensation mechanism
1.   For the fleet segment concerned, a Member State may grant, in 2023, to vessels flying its flag an additional allocation of fishing days of 3,5 % calculated from the baseline between 2015 and 2017 of that Member State as set out in paragraph 4.
2.   The Member State concerned shall notify to the Commission the list of the fishing vessels concerned by such an additional allocation of fishing days, as well as the related number of additional fishing days and the associated condition.
3.   The additional allocation shall be calculated from the maximum effort allowed in the baseline between 2015 and 2017 for the relevant fleet segment of the Member State concerned, as from 1 January 2023.
4.   A Member State may grant the additional allocation of fishing days referred to in paragraph 1, provided that a vessel fulfils one of the following conditions:
(a)
the vessel uses a trawl net with a 45 mm square-mesh codend in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of the juveniles of hake;
(b)
the vessel uses a trawl net with a 50 mm square-mesh codend for deep-water fisheries in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of blue and red shrimps with a carapace length (CL) of less than 25 mm 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 with a CL of less than 35 mm in the geographical subareas 8, 9, 10 and 11;
(c)
the vessel uses a regulated highly selective gear, the technical specifications of which result in, according to the scientific study by STECF, a reduction of at least 25 % of catches of juveniles of all demersal species or at least 20 % of catches of spawners of all demersal species compared to 2020, such as a sorting grid with 20 mm spacing;
(d)
the Member State concerned has established temporary closure areas in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of juveniles of all demersal species or by at least 20 % catches of spawners of all demersal species;
(e)
the Member State concerned has adopted a new minimum conservation reference size for hake of at least 26 cm, in order to progressively reach the length at first maturity; or
(f)
the Member State concerned has set a closure of at least four continuous weeks for fishing activities with trawlers in the areas and periods recognised as important, on the basis of the best available scientific advice, for the protection of spawners of hake stocks. Such areas shall also account for spatial patterns of spawners’ distribution, including depths from 150 m to 500 m. The periods of the temporary fishing closure shall be from February to March and from October to November.
5.   The Member State concerned shall also separately notify every month to the Commission the effort deployed to be counted against the additional allocation referred to in paragraph 4, by using the specific reporting codes for that allocation.
6.   The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission, by 15 October at the latest, all available information related to the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 4, points (a) to (f).
Article 9
Data recording and transmission
1.   Member States shall record and transmit the fishing effort data to the Commission in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022.
2.   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 in number of vessels, kW and GT, 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 for demersal stocks and the maximum fleet capacity within the scope of this Article is 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 fishing 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
Strait of Sicily
Article 13
Demersal stocks
1.   This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European hake (
Merluccius merluccius
) and deep-water rose shrimp (
Parapenaeus longirostris
) in the Strait of Sicily.
2.   The maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex V.
3.   The maximum allowable fishing effort for hake and the maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks within the scope of this Article are set out in Annex V.
4.   Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Article 14
Deep-water shrimps
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 Strait of Sicily.
2.   The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks is set out in Annex V.
3.   The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex V.
Article 15
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 V.
CHAPTER V
Ionian Sea and Levant Sea
Article 16
Deep-water shrimps
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 and in the Levant Sea.
2.   The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks is set out in Annex VI.
3.   The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VI.
CHAPTER VI
Alboran Sea
Article 17
Blackspot seabream
1.   This Article applies to commercial and recreational 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 VII.
3.   The maximum number of longlines and handlines authorised to fish for blackspot seabream is set out in Annex VII.
4.   For recreational fishing activities, the maximum number of catches shall be limited to one fish per fisher per day. The minimum conservation reference size of 40 cm for blackspot seabream (
Pagellus bogaraveo
) shall apply to recreational fisheries in the Alboran Sea. Recreational fishing for this species shall be prohibited during the closure period of commercial fisheries set at national level.
CHAPTER VII
Black Sea
Article 18
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 VIII.
Article 19
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 VIII.
Article 20
Management of fishing effort for turbot
Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for turbot within the scope of Article 19, irrespective of a vessel’s overall length, shall not exceed 180 fishing days per year.
Article 21
Closure period for turbot
It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels to carry out any fishing activity, including retaining on board, transhipment, landing and first sale of turbot in Union waters in the Black Sea from 15 April to 15 June.
Article 22
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 18 and 19 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 23
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 VIII to this Regulation.
TITLE III
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 24
Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2022/110
Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2022/110 is amended in accordance with Annex IX to this Regulation.
Article 25
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 2023.
However, Article 24 shall apply from 1 January 2022.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 30 January 2023.
For the Council
The President
P. KULLGREN
(
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) 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 (
OJ L 21, 31.1.2022, p. 165
).
(
4
)
  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
).
(
5
)
  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
).
ANNEX I
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM 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.
References to fishing zones are references to the 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
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 – GSAs 1-27
COL/GF 1-27
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 
 (
(**)
)
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 temporary ban for red coral fisheries established in Spanish waters.
(
(**)
)
  According to the temporary 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 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.
References 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 2023 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.
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.
References 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
1.   Maximum allowable fishing effort in fishing days
(a)
Number of fishing days for trawlers 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
Additional allocation 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
1 745
0
0
EFF1/MED1_TR1
EFF1/MED1_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
18 752
0
0
EFF1/MED1_TR2
EFF1/MED1_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
35 184
3 972
0
EFF1/MED1_TR3
EFF1/MED1_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
12 392
4 833
0
EFF1/MED1_TR4
EFF1/MED1_TR4_AA
Blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7
< 12 m
0
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR1
EFF2/MED1_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
879
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR2
EFF2/MED1_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
8 908
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR3
EFF2/MED1_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
7 151
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR4
EFF2/MED1_TR4_AA
(b)
Number of fishing days for trawlers 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
Additional allocation 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
161
2 294
EFF1/MED2_TR1
EFF1/MED2_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
0
644
34 505
EFF1/MED2_TR2
EFF1/MED2_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
0
161
23 205
EFF1/MED2_TR3
EFF1/MED2_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
0
161
3 097
EFF1/MED2_TR4
EFF1/MED2_TR4_AA
Giant red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
< 12 m
0
0
379
EFF2/MED2_TR1
EFF2/MED2_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
0
0
2 799
EFF2/MED2_TR2
EFF2/MED2_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
0
0
2 253
EFF2/MED2_TR3
EFF2/MED2_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
0
0
302
EFF2/MED2_TR4
EFF2/MED2_TR4_AA
(c)
Number of fishing days for 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
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)
Number of fishing days for 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
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
2.   Maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimps
(a)
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:
GSAs 1-2-5-6-7
(ARA/GF 1-7)
Spain
828
Maximum level of catches
France
53
Italy
0
Union
881
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
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:
GSAs 8-9-10-11
(ARA/GF 8-11)
Spain
0
Maximum level of catches
France
9
Italy
243
Union
252
TAC
Not relevant
Species:
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 8-9-10-11
(ARS/GF 8-11)
Spain
0
Maximum level of catches
France
5
Italy
354
Union
359
TAC
Not relevant
(
1
)
  TBB, OTB, PTB, TBN, TBS, TB, OTM, PTM, TMS, TM, OTT, OT, PT, TX, OTP, TSP.
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 pelagic stocks.
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.
References 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/GF 17-18)
Italy
32 941
(
*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
51 735
TAC
Not relevant
Maximum fleet capacity of trawlers and purse seiners actively fishing for small pelagic stocks
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 2023
Gear type
Geographical area
Stocks concerned
Overall length of vessels
Effort group code
ITALY
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
Trawls (OTB)
GFCM sub-areas 17-18
Red mullet; Hake; Deep-water rose shrimp, and Norway lobster
< 12 m
EFF/MED3_OTB_TR1
3 275
10 097
(
*3
)
≥ 12 m and < 24 m
EFF/MED3_OTB_TR2
73 599
23 524
(
*3
)
≥ 24 m
EFF/MED3_OTB_TR3
6 449
2 112
(
*3
)
Beam trawls (TBB)
GFCM sub-area 17
Common sole
< 12 m
EFF/MED3_TBB_TR1
194
0
0
≥ 12 m and < 24 m
EFF/MED3_TBB_TR2
3 635
0
0
≥ 24 m
EFF/MED3_TBB_TR3
3 614
0
0
Maximum fleet capacity of bottom trawlers 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
 (
*4
)
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/44/2021/20 shall not apply to national fleets of fewer 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 a case, the capacity of the active fleet may increase by not more than 50 % 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.
(
*4
)
  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 % with respect to the reference period.
ANNEX V
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY
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 demersal species and deep-water shrimps.
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.
References 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
Merluccius merluccius
HKE
European hake
Parapenaeus longirostris
DPS
Deep-water rose shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
ARS
Giant red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
ARA
Blue and red shrimp
1.   Demersal Stocks
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish demersal stocks in Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
1
265
105
Spain
OTB
1
100
118
Italy
OTB
594
144 175
36 856
Malta
OTB
15
5 562
2 007
(b)
Maximum level of fishing effort, expressed in number of fishing days, for bottom trawl vessels targeting European Hake (
Merluccius merluccius
) in Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16)
Member State
Gear
Vessel Length
Effort group code
Fishing Days 2023
CYP
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
51
ITA
OTB
T-07
EFF4/MED4_OTB1
90
ITA
OTB
T-10
EFF4/MED4_OTB2
188
ITA
OTB
T-11
EFF4/MED4_OTB3
19 366
ITA
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
3 657
MLT
OTB
T-11
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
338
MLT
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
165
(c)
Maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp (
Parapenaeus longirostris
) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Deep-water rose shrimp
Parapenaeus longirostris
Zone:
GSAs 12-13-14-15-16
(DPS/GF 12-16)
Italy
2 147
Maximum level of catches
Cyprus
1
Malta
6
Union
2 154
TAC
Not relevant
2.   Deep-water shrimps
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
1
105
265
Spain
OTB
2
440,56
218,78
Italy
OTB
320
93 756
26 076
Malta
OTB
15
2 007
5 562
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 12-13-14-15-16
(ARS/GF 12-16)
Spain
1
Maximum level of catches
Italy
870
Cyprus
0
Malta
37
Union
908
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (
Aristeus antennatus
) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12-13-14-15-16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 12-13-14-15-16
(ARA/GF 12-16)
Spain
1
Maximum level of catches
Italy
101
Cyprus
0
Malta
2
Union
104
TAC
Not relevant
ANNEX VI
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE IONIAN SEA AND THE LEVANT SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks in the Ionian Sea and the Levant Sea.
References 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
1.   Ionian Sea
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Greece
OTB
240
69 281
23 101
Italy
OTB
410
95 996
22 252
Malta
OTB
15
5 562
2 007
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 19-20-21
(ARS/GF 19-21)
Greece
34
Maximum level of catches
Italy
313
Malta
46
Union
393
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (
Aristeus antennatus
) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 19-20-21
(ARA/GF 19-21)
Greece
15
Maximum level of catches
Italy
250
Malta
0
Union
265
TAC
Not relevant
2.   Levant Sea
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawler vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
6
2 048
618
Italy
OTB
80
37 192
13 199
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp (
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 24-25-26-27
(ARS/GF 24-27)
Italy
48
Maximum level of catches
Cyprus
12
Union
60
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp (
Aristeus antennatus
) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 24-25-26-27
(ARA/GF 24-27)
Italy
10
Maximum level of catches
Cyprus
6
Union
16
TAC
Not relevant
ANNEX VII
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ALBORAN SEA
(a)
Maximum level of catches carried out by longlines and handlines, expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blackspot seabream
Pagellus boraraveo
Zone:
Union waters in the Alboran Sea – GSAs 1-2-3
(SBR/GF 1-3)
Spain
32
Maximum level of catches
Union
32
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
Maximum number of longlines and handlines authorised for fishing in Alboran Sea (GSAs 1-2-3)
Member State
Blackspot seabream in GSAs 1-2-3
Spain
82
ANNEX VIII
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.
References 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
92,143
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
80,357
Union
172,5
(
*1
)
TAC
857
(
*1
)
  No fishing activity, including retaining on board, transhipment, landing and first sale shall be permitted from 15 April to 15 June 2023.
ANNEX IX
AMENDMENT TO REGULATION (EU) 2022/110
Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2022/110 is amended as follows:
(1)
in point (a) (the table relating to trawlers in Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1-2-5-6-7)), footnote 2 is replaced by the following:
‘(
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, provided that:
(a)
those vessels use a trawl net with a 45 mm square-mesh codend in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of the juveniles of hake; or
(b)
those vessels use a trawl net with a 50 mm square-mesh codend for deep-water fisheries in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of blue and red shrimps with a CL of less than 25 mm 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 with a CL of less than 35 mm in the geographical subareas 8, 9, 10 and 11; 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 catches of juveniles of all demersal species 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 % catches of juveniles of all demersal species or by at least 20 % 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, as well as the related number of additional fishing days.
The Member State concerned shall also notify to the Commission for every month the effort deployed to be counted against that additional allocation, by using the specific reporting codes for that allocation (EFF1/MED1_TR1_AA, EFF1/MED1_TR2_AA, EFF1/MED1_TR3_AA, EFF1/MED1_TR4_AA and EFF2/MED1_TR1_AA, EFF2/MED1_TR2_AA, EFF2/MED1_TR3_AA, EFF2/MED1_TR4_AA).
The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission, by 15 October at the latest, all available information related to the implementation of the measures referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (d).
The overall 2 % of the fishing effort shall be calculated from the maximum allowed effort allocation of the relevant fleet segment of the Member State concerned, as from 1 January 2022.’;
(2)
in point (b) (the table relating to trawlers in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8-9-10-11)), footnote 3 is replaced by the following:
‘(
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 a 45 mm square-mesh codend in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of the juveniles of hake; or
(b)
those vessels use a trawl net with a 50 mm square-mesh codend for deep-water fisheries in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of blue and red shrimps with a CL of less than 25 mm 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 with a CL of less than 35 mm in the geographical subareas 8, 9, 10 and 11; 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 catches of juveniles of all demersal species 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 % catches of juveniles of all demersal species or by at least 20 % 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, as well as the related number of additional fishing days.
The Member State concerned shall also notify to the Commission for every month the effort deployed to be counted against that additional allocation, by using the specific reporting codes for that allocation (EFF1/MED2_TR1_AA, EFF1/MED2_TR2_AA, EFF1/MED2_TR3_AA, EFF1/MED2_TR4_AA and EFF2/MED2_TR1_AA, EFF2/MED2_TR2_AA, EFF2/MED2_TR3_AA, EFF2/MED2_TR4_AA).
The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission, by 15 October at the latest, all available information related to the implementation of the measures referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (d).
The overall 2 % of the fishing effort shall be calculated from the maximum allowed effort allocation of the relevant fleet segment of the Member State concerned, as from 1 January 2022.’.

Summary:
Fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (2023)
SUMMARY OF:
Regulation (EU) 2023/195 fixing for 2023 the fishing opportunities for certain stocks and groups of fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?
It sets the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2023.
It lists the definitions and the fishing zones that apply for the purposes of the regulation.
The regulation amends Regulation (EU) 
2022/110
 (see 
summary
) on fishing opportunities in the same areas for 2022.
KEY POINTS
Scope
The regulation applies to 
European Union
 (EU) fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas that make use of the following stocks:
red coral and common dolphinfish in the 
Mediterranean Sea
;
blue and red shrimp, deep-water rose shrimp, giant red shrimp, European hake, Norway lobster and red mullet in the 
western Mediterranean Sea
;
anchovy, sardine, European hake, Norway lobster, common sole, deep-water rose shrimp and red mullet in the 
Adriatic Sea
;
giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the 
Strait of Sicily
, the 
Ionian Sea
 and the 
Levant Sea
;
blackspot seabream in the 
Alboran Sea
;
sprat and turbot in the 
Black Sea
.
It also applies to 
recreational fisheries
1
 where these are expressly referred to in the regulation.
The fishing opportunities covered by the regulation include:
catch limits for the year 2023;
fishing effort limits for the year 2023.
Total allowable catches
Total allowable catches
 (TACs), set out in the annexes, are determined annually by EU 
Member States
 based on proposals from the 
European Commission
.
TACs refer to the maximum quantity of fish of different species that can be caught during the respective year.
They set limits according to the principle of sustainable use of the various stocks in line with 
maximum sustainable yield
2
.
The TACs are based on the best available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socioeconomic aspects while ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors.
The TAC for each individual species is divided into quotas – proportions of the TAC assigned to the EU, its Member States or non-EU countries.
The catch and effort limits are in line with: 
the multiannual management plan for 
demersal stocks
3
 in the western Mediterranean Sea, adopted under Regulation (EU) 
2019/1022
 (see 
summary
); and
the decisions of the 
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean
 (GFCM) regarding red coral, dolphinfish, small pelagic species and demersal stocks in the Adriatic Sea, giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea, the Levant Sea and the Strait of Sicily, and the GFCM turbot multiannual management plan for the Black Sea.
FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?
It has applied since 
1 January 2023
.
BACKGROUND
For further information, see:
Council approves fishing opportunities for 2023 in EU and non-EU waters
 (Council of the European Union).
KEY TERMS
Recreational fisheries.
 Non-commercial fishing activities, such as recreation, tourism or sport, exploiting marine biological resources.
Maximum sustainable yield.
 The largest yield (catch) that can be taken from the stock of a species over an indefinite period (i.e. without endangering its survival).
Demersal stocks.
 Stocks of fish species that live on or close to the seabed.
MAIN DOCUMENT
Council Regulation (EU) 
2023/195
 of 
30 January 2023
 fixing for 2023 the fishing opportunities for certain stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/110 as regards the fishing opportunities for 2022 applicable in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas (OJ L 28, 
31.1.2023
, 
pp. 220–248
).
Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) 2023/195 have been incorporated into the original text. This 
consolidated version
 is of documentary value only.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
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 (OJ L 21, 
31.1.2022
, 
pp. 165–186
).
See 
consolidated version
.
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
, 
pp. 1–17
).
See 
consolidated version
.
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
, 
pp. 22–61
).
See 
consolidated version
.
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
, 
pp. 44–61
).
See 
consolidated version
.
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
, 
pp. 1–50
).
See 
consolidated version
.
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
, 
pp. 3–5
).
See 
consolidated version
.
last update 
17.5.2023

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