Small-scale vessel fleet. (Photo Credit: www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk)
EUROPEAN UNIONFriday, September 19, 2014, 00:50 (GMT + 9)
An international European Commission (EC) funded research project has just published a report on the initiative aimed at achieving sustainability and long-term management in the Channel scallop fishery.
With logistical support provided by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – UK, theEnvironmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the North Western Waters Advisory Council(NWWAC), the project GAP2 held a two-day collaborative workshop in April this year in Brixham, Devon, in order to discuss profitability and sustainability issues of the valuable Channel scallop fishery.
This workshop was attended by representatives from all coastal Member States concerned about Channel scallop management, predominantly France, Netherlands and Belgium and brought together fishers from both sides of these rich waters.
“The workshop’s aim was to alleviate historic tensions between all stakeholders: with a view to putting in place in the first steps for a long-term management plan for the fishery,” points out a report released by GAP2.
Among the main conclusions drawn in this workshop includes the increased trust between different stakeholders, shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for scallop fishermen and greater awareness of different perspectives on scallop management in the channel, among others.
After carrying out discussions, fishers agreed they would welcome the opportunity to support scientific studies directed towards a full scallop stock assessment, which requires greater resources.
It was also concluded that particular attention should be paid to International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) area VIId, including the harmonisation of technical measures, which must be driven by the industry.
While the Channel scallops stocks were perceived to be in relatively good biological condition, all participants agreed that robust science is essential to underpin well informed and evidence-based management decisions.
Furthermore, the newly created ICES Working Group on scallops was deemed as beneficial to contribute to the improvement of stock assessments as well as assist in identifying data and science needs in the Channel.
On the other hand, the need to achieve market differentiation as well as traceability and sourcing was recognized.
It was decided that a co-management process is to be developed with fishermen and fishermen’s representatives to form an industry-led focus group to support discussions on future management options for Channel scallops.