Commission Decision of 25 February 2016 setting up a Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, C(2016) 1084, OJ C 74, 26.2.2016, p. 4–10. The Commission may consult the group on any matter relating to marine and fisheries biology, fishing gear technology, fisheries economics, fisheries governance, ecosystem effects of fisheries, aquaculture or similar disciplines.
The European Union (EU) includes nine outermost regions (ORs or OMRs): Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Martin (France); the Canary Islands (Spain); and the Azores and Madeira (Portugal). These ORs are characterised by their geographical remoteness from mainland Europe, insularity (except French Guiana), small size, complex topography and climate, and economic reliance on a limited number of products. Fisheries in these regions tend to feature a diverse range of species and fishing gears, small-scale vessels, and numerous landing sites.
The EWG 25-18 was tasked to i) describe the level of use of the alternative methods offered in COM(2024)223 final by the outermost regions Member States (MS) concerned, in their national reports submitted in 2024; ii) describe the level of compliance with the guidelines (COM(2024)223 final and COM(2014) 545 final), as relevant, by the outermost regions Member States concerned; iii) reviewing section by section of the COM(2024)223 final guidelines, identify any research questions that are required to be addressed, and an indication as to the feasibility of such research; and finally iv) building on STECF’s work in recent years, provide further advice on the indicators employed for the fleet-balance calculation and their appropriate thresholds.
Under TOR 1 and TOR 2, the group assessed how the biological, economic, and technical indicators were calculated across the ORs and reviewed each MS’s use of alternative methods offered in COM(2024)223 final. The assessment also included an analysis of compliance with both the 2024 and 2014 Commission guidelines.
For TOR 3, the EWG carried out a detailed, section-by-section examination of the COM(2024)223 final guidelines. This process focused on identifying key research questions linked to each biological, economic, and technical indicator included in the document. The feasibility of addressing these research needs was also assessed. Special consideration was given to previous STECF recommendations, as well as additional background materials made available during the meeting. To consolidate the findings, the group compiled a summary table outlining the main outcomes and insights for each indicator.
Under TOR 4, the EWG provided further advice on all relevant indicators, including discussion on appropriate thresholds, referencing previous STECF guidance. As with TOR 3, a comprehensive summary table was produced to encapsulate the main conclusions.
GRATI Fabio;
WINTER Anna Marie;
2025-12-22
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC145142
978-92-68-35295-3 (online),
2467-0715 (online),
OP KJ-01-25-662-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC145142,
10.2760/7695231 (online),
