On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction
PECH-AD-774485
Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Emma Fourreau
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The Committee on Fisheries opinion on the proposed directive to integrate the BBNJ Agreement into EU law suggests amendments to align with the agreement, focusing on fisheries and coordination.¶¶¶ It clarifies exceptions for environmental assessments, adds stakeholder collaboration, and specifies Commission representation in regional fisheries bodies.¶¶¶ It calls for swift transposition and implementation, and for a coordinated EU approach with regional fisheries management organizations and regional seas conventions.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries proposes targeted amendments to align the directive with the BBNJ Agreement, focusing on environmental assessment exceptions, stakeholder collaboration, and coordination with regional fisheries bodies.¶¶¶
Key points
- Member States retain sovereignty in determining activities under their jurisdiction or control; the directive shall not limit that.¶
- The directive should support climate adaptation and resilience without threatening food production, and align with the EU biodiversity strategy and Kunming-Montreal framework.¶¶
- The Commission should support Member States hosting the BBNJ secretariat and encourage third countries to ratify the agreement.¶
- The Commission and Member States should develop a common coordinated approach with regional fisheries management organizations and regional seas conventions.¶
- Regional fisheries management organizations remain competent for fisheries conservation; the directive must respect their competences and existing EU law.¶
- The directive should work with Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 to address non-cooperating third countries in fisheries management.¶
- The directive is limited to strict transposition of the BBNJ Agreement; it applies to areas beyond national jurisdiction and alongside the common fisheries policy.¶¶
- Environmental assessments may be waived if other frameworks, such as regional fisheries management organizations, have already assessed the activity, provided conditions are met.¶¶
- Member States must collaborate and consult stakeholders, including regional fisheries management organizations, when developing area-based management tool proposals.¶
- Member States and the Commission, where applicable, shall promote measures in regional bodies to support BBNJ decisions and may coordinate between bodies.¶
- Member States should encourage third countries to support BBNJ area-based management tools and make implementation information available.¶¶
- The Commission shall submit biannual reports to the European Parliament on implementation and global developments.¶
Who is affected
- Member States: must coordinate with the Commission before submitting proposals for area-based management tools or emergency measures.¶
- Regional fisheries management organizations: to be consulted and their competences respected in fisheries-related environmental assessments and area-based tools.¶¶¶
- Fisheries stakeholders: to be consulted in the development of area-based management tool proposals.¶
- The public: given opportunities to participate in preparation of area-based management tool proposals and access to review procedures.¶¶