This is the annual proposal for the amount of fish that EU fishermen may catch from the main commercial fish stocks in the Black Sea. The proposals, which affect Bulgaria and Romania, are based on the EU's reformed Common Fisheries Policy and take into account the best available scientific advice.
For sprat, the Commission proposes to maintain a catch limit of 11 475 tonnes. Seventy per cent is allocated to Bulgaria and 30 per cent to Romania.
For turbot, the Commission proposes to keep the quotas at the same level as 2016, i.e. at 86.4 tonnes.
This proposals come on the back of successful work by Romania and Bulgaria to reduce illegal and unreported fishing for Black Sea stocks. Throughout 2016, both countries increased the controls on catches of turbot and imposed stricter monitoring, control and surveillance measures onto their vessels.
As a result, the effectiveness of fisheries management measures has improved. Romania and Bulgaria have committed to implementing additional control measures in 2017.
The proposal will be discussed by EU ministers at the Fisheries Council on 12-13 December.
