Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 03 of March 2023 to the 16 of March 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 03 of March 2023 to the 16 of March 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
De 8 a 10 de março de 2023, no âmbito do programa da União Europeia PESCAO, a AECP providenciou suporte a uma ação de formação para os operadores de centros de vigilância das pescas (CVP) na Guiné-Bissau, organizada pela Comissão Sub-Regional das Pescas (CSRP), um organismo regional de pesca com sede em Dakar (Senegal), que agrupa 7 países[1] da África Ocidental para reforçar a gestão sustentável dos recursos haliêuticos.
A formação prestou apoio teórico e pratico na área dos sistemas de monitorização das pescas, de forma a promover a capacitação e desenvolvimento de competências em técnicas de análise de dados de monitorização das pescas, com base no manual da AECP “Curso para operadores de centros de vigilância da pesca para países terceiros”.
Os três dias de formação tiveram lugar em Bissau, permitindo dar assim, a oportunidade aos operadores nacionais de CVP de desenvolver e consolidar competências em matéria de sistemas de monitorização remota, acordos internacionais de pesca, tipos de dados de monitorização e metodologias para os procedimentos de vigilância. A formação tinha também uma forte componente prática, com foco na análise de dados de satélite dos navios, e inclui exercícios, de forma a permitir a aplicação das matérias adquiridas em situações de enquadramento real.
A participação da AECP em apoio a esta ação de formação, conta com a suporte técnico da EU através da presença de dois peritos, que durante os 3 dias de treino ira conduzir o curso de introdução a inspeção das pescas em mar e nos portos para países terceiros da AECP.
Esta ação formativa nacional para os operadores dos CVP decorre no âmbito do programa PESCAO financiado pela UE, no qual a AECP participa prestando assistência formativa, técnica e jurídica à CSRP e ao Comité das Pescas do Golfo Ocidental e Central da Guiné (CPCO), e aos respetivos países membros.
O programa PESCAO visa, entre outros objetivos, melhorar a governação regional das pescas na Africa Ocidental para combater a pesca ilegal, de modo a manter unidades populacionais de peixe saudáveis numa região do mundo onde a pesca continua a ser uma das principais fontes de alimento e subsistência das populações.
Informações
A Agência Europeia de Controlo das Pescas é uma agência da União Europeia. A missão da agência consiste em promover as mais elevadas normas comuns de controlo, inspeção e vigilância no âmbito da política comum das pescas da UE. O trabalho da EFCA pauta-se pelo mais elevado nível de exigência e transparência, com vista a desenvolver a necessária confiança e cooperação de todas as partes envolvidas e, por essa via, assegurar a eficácia e eficiência das suas operações.
[1] Cabo Verde, Gâmbia, Guiné, Guiné-Bissau, Mauritânia, Senegal e Serra Leoa
From 8 to 10 March 2023, in the framework of the EU-funded programme PESCAO, EFCA supported the training of Fisheries Monitoring Centres operators organized by the Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), a regional fisheries body based in Dakar (Senegal) that brings together 7 Western African countries[1] to enhance the sustainable management of fisheries resources in the area.
The training provided theoretical and practical knowledge in the subject of fisheries monitoring systems, aiming to promote capacity building and competencies in fisheries monitoring data analysis technics based on the EFCA manual “Course for Fisheries Monitoring Centres operators for non-EU countries”.
These three days of training took place in Bissau, in Guinea-Bissau, and offered the opportunity for national FMC operators to develop and consolidate abilities in remote control systems, international fisheries agreements, types of monitoring data, and methodologies for surveillance procedures. The training also had a strong practical component focused on the analysis of vessel monitoring systems data that included exercises where the trainees were able to challenge themselves with the different skills learned in real situations.
This national training for FMC operators is carried out under the framework of the EU-funded PESCAO programme, in which EFCA participates providing training, legal and technical assistance to the SRFC and the Fisheries Committee of the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), as well as their Member States.
The PESCAO programme aims, amongst other objectives, at improving regional fisheries governance in Western Africa to fight illegal fishing, and to maintain healthy fish stocks in a region of the world where fishing remains one of the main sources of protein and livelihoods.
Background
The European Fisheries Control Agency is a European Union agency. The agency’s mission is to promote the highest common standards for control, inspection and surveillance under the CFP. The EFCA will function at the highest level of excellence and transparency with a view to developing the necessary confidence and cooperation of all parties involved and, in so doing, to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of its operations.
[1] Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Today, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy to ensure a peaceful use of the seas and safeguard the maritime domain against new threats. They have also adopted an updated Action Plan through which the Strategy will be implemented.
Maritime security is vital to the European Union and its Member States. Together, the EU’s Member States form the largest combined exclusive economic zone in the world. The EU economy depends greatly on a safe and secure ocean. Over 80% of global trade is seaborne and about two-thirds of the world’s oil and gas is either extracted at sea or transported by sea. Up to 99% of global data flows are transmitted through undersea cables. The global maritime domain must be secure to unlock the full potential of the oceans and the sustainable blue economy. The EU intends to reinforce the wide range of tools it has at its disposal to promote maritime security, both civilian and military.
High Representative Josep Borrell said: "Together with air, outer space and the cyberspace, the sea is an increasingly contested strategic domain. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, the EU must learn to speak the language of power also at sea. With this updated Strategy, we are making full use of our tools to pursue our interests and promote the rules-based order at sea, together with our partners. We are delivering on our commitment to strengthening the EU’s role as a global maritime security provider, as called for in the Strategic Compass."
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: "We should take the strategic importance of our oceans seriously. The maritime dimension is key to the EU's strategic autonomy, as the prosperity of the European Union and its Member States depends on a safe and secure ocean. The updated Maritime Security Strategy will better protect our citizens and promote our blue economy activities and our interests at sea. We will tackle the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on maritime security, strengthen maritime surveillance tools, enhance our defences against cyber and hybrid threats, and reinforce the protection of critical maritime infrastructure."
Adapting to new threats
Security threats and challenges have multiplied since the adoption of the EU Maritime Security Strategy in 2014, requiring new and enhanced action. Long-standing illicit activities, such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings, arms and narcotics, as well as terrorism remain critical challenges. But new and evolving threats must also be dealt with increasing geopolitical competition, climate change and degradation of the marine environment and hybrid and cyber-attacks.
This is an opportunity to drive forward sustainable solutions to the multiple maritime security issues the EU and the international community face. It is also an opportunity to enhance the EU’s role and credibility in the international arena. Recent geopolitical developments, such as Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, are a forceful reminder that the EU needs to enhance its security and step up its capacity to act not only on its own territory and its own waters, but also in its neighbourhood and beyond.
An updated European Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS)
The updated EUMSS is a framework for the EU to take action to protect its interests at sea, and to protect its citizens, values and economy.
The updated Maritime Security Strategy promotes international peace and security, as well as respect for international rules and principles, while ensuring the sustainability of the oceans and the protection of biodiversity. The Strategy will be implemented by the EU and its Member States, in line with their respective competences.
The Joint Communication and associated Action Plan specify several integrated actions that will deliver on the EU's interests. To do so, the EU will step up its action under six strategic objectives:
Step up activities at sea. Actions include organising naval exercises at EU level, developing further coastguard operations in European sea basins, designating new maritime areas of interests for the implementation of the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept (a tool to enhance coordination of Member States’ naval and air assets present in specific maritime areas) and reinforcing security inspections in EU ports.
Cooperate with partners. Actions include deepening EU-NATO cooperation and stepping up cooperation with all relevant international partners to uphold the rules-based order at sea, notably the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Lead on maritime domain awareness. Actions include reinforcing coastal and offshore patrol vessel surveillance and strengthening the Common information sharing environment (CISE). This is to make sure the national and EU authorities involved can exchange information in a secure way.
Manage risks and threats. Actions include conducting regular live maritime exercises involving civilian and military actors, monitoring and protecting critical maritime infrastructure and ships (including passenger ships) from physical and cyber threats, and tackling unexploded ordnance and mines at sea.
Boost capabilities. Actions include developing common requirements for defence technologies in the maritime domain, stepping up work on projects such as the European Patrol Corvette (new class of warship), and improving our anti-submarine capabilities.
Educate and train by boosting hybrid and cyber security qualifications notably on the civilian side and conducting training programmes open to non-EU partners.
The updated Strategy and its action plan will contribute to the implementation the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defence.
Next steps
The Commission and the High Representative invite the Member States to endorse the Strategy and to implement it for their part. The Commission and the High Representative will issue a progress report within three years after the endorsement of the updated Strategy by the Council of the European Union.
Background
The EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan are in place since 2014. The Action Plan was last updated in 2018. The proposed update follows up on the Council Conclusions on maritime security of June 2021, which called on the Commission and the High Representative to assess the need for such update.
Since 2014, the EUMSS and its Action Plan have provided a comprehensive framework to deter and respond to security challenges at sea. They have stimulated closer cooperation between civilian and military authorities, in particular through information exchange. The EUMSS has helped promote rules-based governance at sea and to develop international cooperation in the maritime domain. It has strengthened the EU’s autonomy and capacity to respond to maritime security threats and challenges. The EU has become a recognised actor in maritime security, conducting its own naval operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness and cooperating with a wide range of external partners.
For More Information
Factsheet on the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy
Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy
Action Plan ‘An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats’
Questions and Answers on the EU Maritime Security Strategy
The Administrative Board of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) held its 26th meeting and adopted its Multiannual work programme 2017-2021 and annual work programme 2017 that provides a comprehensive overview of the allocation of resources granted by the European Union Budget to the agency in accordance with its objectives and indicators.
The Administrative Board approved the inflexion in the work programme relating to the cooperation of EFCA with Frontex, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the relevant national authorities in the framework of the European Coast Guard function to face the complex current situation in European waters requiring a strengthened and coordinated cooperation of national actors and the relevant European Union Agencies. An amendment to EFCA founding legislation provides a significant increase of its resources covering all the aspects of this new challenge.
Nevertheless this enhanced cooperation will also increase the capacities of the agency in its contribution to the control regime of the Common Fisheries Policy according to its mission’s statement, dedicated to the coordination of fisheries control activities.
“The long-time cooperation between FRONTEX, EMSA and EFCA is reinforced through additional resources and enhanced coordination and synergy with the Member States authorities in charge of Coast Guard missions. Better cooperation, exchange of information, common procedures and multipurpose operations which indeed encompass fisheries control, will grant the European Union a stronger capacity to enforce its legislations. EFCA without prejudice of its core mission dedicated to the coordination of fisheries control activities will contribute to this new operational environment but will also significantly benefit from this enhanced cooperation”, said Pascal Savouret, EFCA Executive Director.
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 22 of March 2023 to the 11 of April 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
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The CFCA has adopted its sixth work programme for 2012, the first one within the mandate of his new Executive Director and has elected a new Chairman. Moreover, the budget adopted in the meeting for 2012 is of €9,31million, subject to the definitive adoption of the EU Budget for 2012 by the Budgetary Authority in the coming weeks.
Election of Chairman
Jörgen Holmquist, an economist from Sweden, has been elected the new Chairman of CFCA Administrative Board. After top level positions within the Swedish national administration, he has been Director General of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs and Director General of Internal Market and Services of the European Commission.
2012 Work Programme
In 2012, the Agency will focus on its core business and the potential of Member States to apply the EU fisheries control rules in a uniform and effective manner. Moreover, it will contribute to a level playing field by implementing regional joint deployment plans based on specific and control and inspection programmes. All in all, these tasks are essential so as to promote sustainable exploitation of marine living resources and Integrated Maritime Policy.
The Agency will carry on doing the coordination work it has been doing in important fisheries such as cod in the Baltic Sea and in the North Sea and Western Waters; bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic, Pelagic in Western Waters and NAFO and NEAFC Regulatory Area. In addition, it will progressively extend this cooperation to regional joint deployment plans based on multispecies, and it will continue to support the fight against IUU fishing.
In 2012, the Agency will assist the Commission and Member States in the cooperation with third countries within the JDP areas. In addition, the JDP for pelagic fisheries in Western Waters of the North East Atlantic will continue. It will be the first one carried out in a continuous and permanent manner and applied to a multispecies fishery and will serve as a first experience on the concept of regional joint deployment plans based on multispecies. This approach may also offer synergies for saving on public expenditures of Member States concerned by several Member States.
In helping to build the control and inspection capacities of Member States, the Agency will facilitate the elaboration of core curricula for training of national fisheries inspectors, promote the exchange of best practices and develop harmonised standards of inspection. It will also foster Integrated Maritime Surveillance in cooperation with the European Commission, Member States and other EU agencies. Indeed, Maritime Surveillance data and data management systems developed for the Agency for its operational requirements will contribute to improve synergies, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
“Now that the 2012 work programme of the Agency has been adopted by the Board, it is my commitment to ensure its effective execution. My team and I will work hard in the contribution that the Agency makes to fair competition and ultimately to a sustainable exploitation of marine resources,” said Pascal Savouret, CFCA Executive Director.
The European Fisheries Control Agency and the European Environment Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve the exchange of expertise and relevant information between the two EU Agencies. The cooperation will enhance the coordination and implementation of their activities and to ensure the promotion of joint activities.
The areas of particular interest for cooperation between include information and expertise sharing, with a view to exchange information and build knowledge, e.g. on multiple pressures and cumulative impacts of maritime activities, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs), risk assessment, zero pollution and marine litter.
The cooperation also caters for the implementation of operational pilot projects at sea in areas of common interest, as the project dedicated to marine litter, and particularly, the monitoring, retrieval, collection, and recycling of abandoned or lost fishing gear in designated maritime areas.
While no delegation or transfer of any task or responsibilities will be made from one agency to the other, this memorandum of understanding comes in an important moment in which the Commission has issued the Fisheries and Oceans Pact towards sustainable, science-based, innovative and inclusive fisheries management.
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 24 of March 2023 to the 13 of April 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
Denmark has established two Real-Time Closures (RTCs) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 29 of March 2023 to the 18 of April 2023 24:00 hrs (See more Information).