The European Parliament adopted by 484 votes to 77 with 15 abstentions a resolution objecting to the Commission delegated regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea.

In the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), fisheries conservation measures can be adopted to ensure compliance with environmental legislation (Habitats and Birds Directives, Marine Strategy Framework Directive), as provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

The proposed delegated regulation aims to adopt the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the obligations established under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56 / EC).

Parliament notes the following:

the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), in its scientific advice, voiced a number of concerns as regards the effectiveness of the proposed measures for protected species and habitats and seafloor integrity. Those concerns have not been fully reflected in the recitals to the delegated regulation under review; the STECF also noted in its scientific advice that the figures relating to the fishing activity in question on which the proposed measures are based are from 2010-2012 and could therefore be outdated; the unquantified number of vessels that would be covered by the partially temporary exemptions under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118, as amended by the delegated regulation under review, could well have an impact on the effectiveness of the proposed measures; the definition of ‘alternative seabed-impacting fishing gear’ set out in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118, as amended by the delegated regulation under review, needs to be further specified; the impact of the proposed ‘alternative seabed-impacting fishing gear’ could still be significantly higher than that of other, partially prohibited gear (Danish and Scottish seines); lastly, the review and reporting clause of the proposed delegated act does not apply to the newly proposed zones and their management.

Bearing these considerations in mind, Parliament objected to the Commission delegated regulation.