Considerations on COM(2019)291 - Authorisation of negotiations for the conservation and management of marine living resources in the western and central Atlantic ocean

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dossier COM(2019)291 - Authorisation of negotiations for the conservation and management of marine living resources in the western and central ...
document COM(2019)291 EN
date June 27, 2019
 
(1) The Union is competent to adopt measures for the conservation of marine biological resources under the common fisheries policy and to enter into agreements with third countries and international organisations.

(2) Pursuant to Council Decision 98/392/EC, the Union is a Contracting Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982. That convention requires all members of the international community to cooperate in conserving and managing the biological resources of the sea.

(3) Pursuant to Council Decision 98/414/EC, the Union is a Contracting Party to the Agreement on the implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks.

(4) Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council provides that the Union shall conduct its external fisheries relations in accordance with its international obligations and policy objectives, as well as the objectives and principles set out in Articles 2 and 3 of that Regulation, in order to ensure sustainable exploitation, management and conservation of marine biological resources and the marine environment.

(5) The Western and Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) is an advisory body established in 1973 under Article VI of the Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the objective of promoting conservation, management and development of the living marine resources within its area of competence.

(6) WECAFC initiated a process of strategic reorientation in 2012 that has involved a performance review (2013-2014), a strategic plan (2014), two ‘reorientation and strategic planning’ workshops (2014 and 2015) and the 1st preparatory workshop (March 2019).

(7) Starting in July 2019, international consultations will take place with a view to conclude an international agreement for establishing a regional fisheries management organisation or arrangement with a power to take legally binding decisions for the conservation and management of marine living resources in the western and central Atlantic ocean with the participation of WECAFC members.