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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2022)0304 – C90208/2022 – 2022/0195(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on nature restoration

PECH-PA-738472

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Caroline Roose

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The Committee on Fisheries' draft opinion supports the proposed nature restoration regulation and focuses on its marine parts. It proposes results-based targets of restoring at least 30% of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050, and higher means-based targets. It asks for cooperation between member states on marine restoration plans and for the Commission to act if joint recommendations are blocked, and for a 12-month deadline to submit them. It proposes adding species to the list whose habitat needs restoring, including critically endangered, endangered and commercial species, and strengthening transparency and stakeholder participation.

Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries supports the general approach of the proposed regulation and proposes amendments to strengthen marine restoration targets, cooperation between member states, the species list, and transparency and stakeholder participation.

Key points

  1. The rapporteur supports the general approach of the proposed regulation and highlights four points: restoration targets, implementation of marine restoration measures, the species list, and transparency and stakeholder participation.
  2. The rapporteur proposes results-based targets of restoring at least 30% of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050, alongside higher means-based targets.
  3. Member states should be encouraged to cooperate in preparing national restoration plans, and may submit joint recommendations together with their draft or final plan.
  4. A new Article 14a would require member states to submit joint recommendations at the latest 12 months after final submission of their national restoration plan, and let the Commission adopt measures if they fail to do so.
  5. The list of species whose habitat needs restoring should be extended to cover critically endangered or endangered species and commercial species whose habitat restoration would improve their stocks and benefit fishers.
  6. Provisions on stakeholder consultation and transparency should be strengthened, with more frequent updating of national restoration plans.
  7. The means-based restoration target for marine habitats in Article 5(1) would rise to at least 50% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 100% by 2050.
  8. Restoration measures should be achieved mainly using passive restoration, complemented by active restoration when necessary, and areas should not deteriorate, including through conservation measures in and around habitats.
  9. Non-fulfilment of non-deterioration obligations can be justified only if member states can prove it is caused by climate change, unavoidable habitat transformations or a project of overriding public interest, based on an independent impact assessment.
  10. National restoration plans should include maritime spatial plans and be reviewed at least every 5 years instead of every 10.
  11. The Commission shall address observations to member states within six months and make them public, and member states shall amend their plans accordingly.
  12. Monitoring and reporting should cover the trend in populations of species referred to in Article 5(3) and qualitative descriptors of good environmental status, with reports made available to the public.

Who is affected

  • Member states, which must set national restoration plans, cooperate on marine ecosystems and submit joint recommendations.
  • The fisheries sector, which the rapporteur says benefits from restored marine ecosystems and spatial protection measures.
  • Fishers and local communities, whose commitment is needed and who should be involved in preparing restoration plans.
  • The Commission, which assesses plans, may adopt conservation measures if member states fail to agree, and reports on progress.

Figures and deadlines

  • at least 30% of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050
  • at least 50% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 100% by 2050 of the area of each group of habitat types not in good condition
  • at least 30% of each type of degraded habitat listed in Annex II restored by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050
  • 12 months after final submission of the national restoration plan to submit joint recommendations
  • review national restoration plans at least once every 5 years
  • Commission observations within six months of receipt of the draft plan
  • Union-wide technical report by June 2032 and every three years thereafter
  • Commission reports to Parliament and Council every three years as from 2029