Increasing transparency in scientific advice to the European Commission

Brussels, 19 May 2006

To bring more transparency in the discussion of its own fisheries advisory body, the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries , the Commission and the STEFC have decided to open the latter’s meetings. As a pilot exercise, the forthcoming STECF meeting on Mixed Fisheries and fishing effort regime in recovery and management plans, on 5-9 June 2006, will be open to members of the public with observer status. The observers will be able to listen to all the discussions, and may be invited to contribute. This meeting is an important one because it will review the available data and prepare the ground for any future review of the cod recovery plan.

Commenting on this news, European Commissioner Joe Borg, responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs said "I am pleased that the STECF has taken this decision which will help strengthen cooperation and trust between scientists and other stakeholders. This is key to the development and application of more effective management measures to help depleted stocks to recover".

This exercise is established on a trial basis. After evaluating the results, the STECF will consider the possibility of admitting observers to other meetings on a selected, case-by-case basis.

The meeting will address the effectiveness of fish stock recovery schemes, including the results of fishing effort management, landings, by-catches and discards in fisheries covered by recovery plans. Full details of the meeting are posted at http://stecf.jrc.cec.eu.int/event.php?id=45 .

Anyone interested in attending as an observer at this meeting should contact
stecf-secretariat@jrc.it by email

Item source: IP/06/655 Date: 19/05/2006