The Regional Coordination Group on Long Distance Fisheries (RCG LDF) met in Cádiz, Spain for their Annual Technical Meeting from 2nd to 5th of July 2024.
The event was followed by 25 experts representing the nine Member States (Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Spain and The Netherlands), DG MARE and CECAF as the main end-user.
This meeting allowed the group to review the progress in regional coordination since 2023, the outcomes of the 20th Liaison Meeting, the feedback from end users and the Long Distance Fisheries activity by Member States (MS) in CECAF, SPRFMO, NAFO and other areas.
Several achievements are highlighted as a result of the RCG LDF discussions during the meeting:
- The group proposed the harmonization of sampling protocols between MS involved in fisheries in NAFO area.
- The draft LDF Regional Work Plan (RWP) 2025-2027 was prepared. The RCG LDF concluded that countries that are party of one of the Multilateral Agreements, they need to align their National Work Plans (NWPs) for 2025-2027 with LDF RWP 2025-2027.
- New data collection coordination needs have arisen as a result of the accession of the EU to the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) and the acquisition of chub mackerel quota for 2024 and 2025 seasons. The coordination of data collection activities will be initiated by the conclusion of a Multilateral Agreement on Biological Sampling in NPFC waters.
- The accreditation of the SPRFMO Observer Programme process was successfully completed during the 12th Annual Session in Manta (29th January – 2nd February).
Finally, five recommendations were proposed by the RCG LDF 2024:
- Assignment of RCG LDF as designated body for data requirements and collection in outermost regions.
- Establishing an ISSG on NAFO harmonization protocols for on-board sampling.
- Establishing an ISSG on Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) Observer Programme of small pelagics.
- Assignment of RCG LDF as coordinating body for data collection in NPFC waters.
- Establishing an ISSG on Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets (SMEFF) fisheries in the high seas, in particular FAO area 41.
During the RCGs Decision Meeting in September 2024, three Multilateral Agreements (CECAF, SPRFMO and NPFC) and the LDF RWP 2025-2027 will be proposed to the relevant National Correspondents for endorsement.
All the details about the Meeting are available in RCG LDF Meeting report. For more information please visit: https://www.fisheries-rcg.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024_RCG-LDF_Report_final.pdf