The implementation of the CFP requires the assistance of highly qualified scientific personnel, particularly in the application of marine and fisheries biology, fishing gear technology, fisheries economics, fisheries governance, ecosystem effects of fisheries, aquaculture or similar disciplines, or in the field of collection, management and use of fisheries and aquaculture data. For that purpose the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) was established by Commission Decision 93/619/EC and renewed in 2016 by  Commission decision C(2016) 1084 of 25/02/2016.

The Members of the STECF are nominated by the European Commission from highly qualified scientific experts having competence in these fields. The term of a Member of the Committee is 3 years and is renewable. The current STECF Members list can be found on the Register of the Commission Expert Groups webpage.

Acting in co-operation with officials of the European Commission the Committee may form sub-groups (Expert Working Groups), whose meetings can also be attended by invited experts. The Commission provides the secretariat of the Committee.

The Commission should consult STECF in order to develop the CFP policy, where appropriate, on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of living marine resources, including biological, economic, environmental, social and technical considerations, in accordance with Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

Useful links

• Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) web site
• Reports (STECF web site)
• Meetings (STECF web site)
• Open call for expression of interest. Member of the group are currently being selected via a call for applications. The deadline is 31/10/2018.