EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella will present the Commission's proposals for fishing opportunities for 2018 for the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 11-12 December.

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have reached a political agreement on a multi-annual management plan for demersal fish stocks in the North Sea. This comprehensive plan covers more than 70% of the fishing sector, sets catch limits based on science and brings decision-making closer to the fisherman.

European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution that sets modalities to negotiate a legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), better known as the high seas.

The High Level Group of the Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism has published a new scientific opinion on 'Food from the Oceans'. The advisers were asked to look at how more food and biomass can be obtained from the oceans in a way that does not deprive future generations of their benefits.

The oceans and their fish stocks are a shared responsibility for all. For years, the European Union has been leading international efforts to promote fisheries that are sustainable for both fish and fishermen, for the environment and for the economy. And the results are showing in both EU waters and throughout the world.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas, has concluded its Annual Meeting in Marrakesh on 14 – 21 November.

Ahead of the December Fisheries Council, where EU Member States will agree fishing quotas for 2018, the Commission has tabled its proposal on catch limits and quotas for the Black Sea, following adoption of the first-ever multiannual management plan for the region.

As governments gather for the 2017 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) Annual Meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco (14-22 November), the amendment of the conservation measures for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Bluefin tuna is the main item on the agenda.