Due to the current geopolitical situation, discussions were held in a tense atmosphere, however, the parties managed to reach an agreement on a number of issues.
During the session, the ICES recommendations on the reserves of the NEAFC regulatory area for 2023 were considered. Certain difficulties associated with the suspension of the participation of Russian experts in the work of ICES were noted. A request was also prepared to ICES for scientific recommendations for 2023. In addition, there was a discussion of measures to regulate the fishing of the main species regulated by the Commission (pelagic grouper Sebastes mentella in the Irminger Sea and ICES I and II subdistricts, whiting, Atlanto-Scandinavian herring, mackerel, haddock, Rockall, deep-sea species) in 2023 G.
Due to the lack of agreement, the recommendation on the regulation of the Norwegian and Barents Sea bass fishing for 2023 was not adopted. Changes were adopted to manage the stock of the Irminger Sea bass.
In addition to the current ban on specialized fishing for 2022-2024, the parties will have to take measures aimed at preventing unloading and transshipment of vessels with catches of perch–beak of the Irminger Sea on board, as well as prohibiting transshipment of such catches in the waters of the Contracting parties and vessels under their flag. The Russian Federation opposed these amendments because they set additional restrictions for domestic fishing.
The recommendation on whiting was adopted, according to which the quota was allocated to the Russian side in accordance with the traditional national share.
A framework recommendation on Atlanto-Scandinavian herring was adopted, providing for an ODE without division into national shares.
Due to the fact that the process of negotiations of coastal States on regulatory measures for mackerel has not yet been completed, a recommendation on this stock will be adopted later.
The recommendation on haddock, defining the boundaries of the forbidden fishing area on the Rockall Bank, has been extended for 2023.
Recommendations on stock management for katran and deep-sea chimeras have been adopted. In addition, a recommendation was adopted providing for a ban on the establishment of bag-catchers in the shrimp fishery.
During the session, the reports of the Financial and Administrative Committee and the Mixed Advisory Group on Data Management were presented and approved. The current President and Vice-President of NEAFC were re-elected for a new two-year term.
In accordance with the decision of the parties, the next 42nd annual session of NEAFC will be held from November 14 to 17, 2023.
Press Service VNIRO