An action plan, drawn up in May 2013, listed a set of actions and deadlines to redress the issues identified with the system was scheduled to be completed by the 2nd quarter of 2015. However, thanks to its considerable efforts and close cooperation with the European Commission,  Latvia has successfully implemented its action plan. To keep up the momentum, the Latvian authorities have agreed to go even further in their efforts to by working towards additional improvements to their control system by 31st March 2015.

Ensuring a level playing field for fishermen

This action plan is the latest step in a structured Commission approach to address deficiencies in fisheries control. Without effective control and enforcement systems in EU countries, the Commission's ambitious sustainability goals risk not being achieved and the health of Europe's fish stocks may be jeopardised for future generations. An effective control system also ensures a level playing field for fishermen across Europe -  all fishermen should play by the same rules.  Action plans are designed as to address systemic organisational problems, while other enforcement means are used to deal with more isolated issues. The Commission is working with Member States individually to determine what steps need to be taken to reach those standards.

Tangible improvements

Since the adoption of the plan in May 2013 Latvia has taken a number of steps to improve its control system:

• Fisheries control funding has increased by 686,400 LVL (approximately 976,758 EUR).
• The administrative capacity has by 31%, including 12 new inspectors' posts, and by organising regular training for inspectors.
• The technical capacity has been strengthened with a 29% increase in the number of cars as well as a new vessel for marine inspectors.
• The catch data system has been restructured and a new IT system (Latvian Fisheries Integrated Control and Information System) is operational.
• Through the development of an IT application allowing access to ERS and VMS data and their validation, fisheries inspectors now have access to relevant data. The technical means for inspectors to access the data has also been improved
• A risk-based work plan with targeted inspection benchmarks  has been adopted and the benchmarks achieved
• A risk assessment framework has been established, allowing for more targeted and efficient inspections. The risk assessment team , made up of six experts and a head of the Control Division, is in charge of risk assessment and produces an updated monthly list of vessels graded by risk level. The point system for infringements is being applied and accounted for in the risk assessment.

Background

Fisheries rules and control systems are agreed at EU level, but implemented and carried out by the national authorities and inspectors of EU Member States.

To enforce the EU's Common Fisheries Policy rules, there is a European control system in place, designed to ensure that only the allowed quantities of fish are caught, to collect the necessary data for managing fishing opportunities, and to ensure the rules are applied to fishermen across the EU in the same manner. The system is set out in the EU's Control Regulation which entered into force on 1 January 2010 and which thoroughly modernised the EU's approach to fisheries control. It provides for a series of new instruments to assist Member States in implementing the agreed rules, including system auditing and action plans.

Together with the EU's IUU Regulation - which focuses on combatting illegal fishing in particular when entering the EU and ensures the legality of imported fisheries products- the Control Regulation forms a strong and consistent control system that ensures a level playing field both for fish caught in EU waters and imported fish.