Ref. Ares(2017) /02/2017. Management Plan DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Transcription

1 Ref. Ares(2017) /02/2017 Management Plan 2017 DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

2 Contents INTRODUCTION... 3 PART 1. MAIN OUTPUTS FOR THE YEAR... 5 PART 2. MAIN ORGANISATIONAL MANAGEMENT OUTPUTS FOR THE YEAR... 26

3 INTRODUCTION DG MARE aims to contribute to the following four general objectives of the Commission: General objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment General objective II: A Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy General objective III: Towards a New Policy on Migration General objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor Three specific objectives contribute to the general objectives of our policies as indicated in the graph below. It represents the main inter-linkages between the specific objectives and the general objectives. It does not exclude other links such as the contribution from specific objective 3 to general objectives I, II and III taking into account that improved ocean governance creates business opportunities for EU operators (general objective I), promotes ocean energy (general objective II) and contributes to sustainable use of resources in developing countries, thereby limiting migration incentives (general objective III).

4 Oceans and seas are a source of jobs, growth and investment. However, this depends on keeping them healthy and well-managed. To boost ocean-related jobs, growth and investment, we need to take better care of our marine and maritime resources both in Europe and around the world. Building on the President's Agenda for Jobs and Growth and Commissioner Vella's Mission Letter, and in pursuit of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resource for sustainable development", DG MARE will therefore focus on two main political priorities for 2017: implementing the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP); and promoting ocean governance, in particular in the Mediterranean. The reformed CFP recognises that preventing overfishing and allowing overexploited stocks to recover is the best way of keeping European fishermen in business. That is why it aims to ensure sustainable EU fisheries by 2020 at the latest. Implementing the CFP will continue throughout 2017, with multi-annual management plans, new discard plans and the Commission's proposal for a new technical measures framework featuring as prominent elements. More broadly, DG MARE intends to build on the EU's position as a global champion of sustainably managed oceans by following up on the Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance, in particular in the context of the Maltese Presidency and the Our Ocean conference to be hosted by the EU in October. The Commission is working towards a ministerial declaration of all riparian countries for sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean ('the MEDFISH4EVER Declaration'), as follow-up to the Declaration of the ministerial conference for the sustainable development of fisheries in the Mediterranean adopted in November 2003 ('the Venice Declaration'). This new ministerial declaration is envisaged for March DG MARE is preparing an initiative for 2017 on the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Western Mediterranean, following up on the Union for Mediterranean Ministerial Declaration on the Blue Economy endorsed in November The blue economy offers new opportunities: through new technologies such as underwater robotics or DNA sequencing, new targets such as reduction of carbon emissions, new skills coming from a more-educated workforce and new demand from rapidly developing economies in Asia, as well as shortages of land and freshwater. All blue economy sectors stand to benefit, whether it's by developing new products and services in traditional maritime areas like shipping, shipbuilding, aquaculture and coastal tourism, or developing entirely new industries like ocean energy or marine biotech. Taken together, our work on the CFP and ocean governance in 2017 will put the EU firmly on the path of a sustainable fishing sector and thriving coastal communities.

5 PART 1. MAIN OUTPUTS FOR THE YEAR General objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment The Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) indicator measures the potential for economic growth derived from the sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources. Fishing at MSY means fishing at a rate such that the average long-term catches are the highest that the stock can provide over the long-term. This ensures stable revenue for fishermen. The fishing mortality rate is the annual catch divided by the annual average biomass of exploitable fish in the sea. In line with the new CFP, multiannual plans should be introduced and contain conservation measures to restore fish stocks at level capable of producing MSY. Such a multi-annual management plan has already been adopted for the Baltic Sea, whereas another one is under negotiation for mixed fisheries in the North Sea. In order to fulfil the obligation of the new CFP and achieve MSY, it is considered necessary to develop new multiannual management plans for the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, in particular, for South Western and North Western Waters, as well as small pelagic species in the Western Mediterranean, demersal species in the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea and at a later stage demersal species in the Aegean Sea and small pelagic species in the Aegean Sea. In addition, for all catches of species which are subject to catch limits and, in the Mediterranean, also catches of species which are subject to minimum sizes defined in Annex III to the Mediterranean Regulation, the landing obligation is to be applied progressively and by 2019 at the latest. The adoption by the legislators of a new technical measures framework will be an important step towards the reduction of unwanted catches, the elimination of discards, better selectivity and protection of juveniles and spawning grounds, thus contributing to the sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources. By helping Member States remove barriers to the development of aquaculture, technical workshops on reducing administrative burdens organised in an Open Method of Coordination will contribute to jobs, growth and investment in this key sector. Through the exchange of fishery data, landing obligations are better monitored avoiding discards and protecting juveniles or fish below minimum conservation reference size, thereby contributing to sustainability. The new national plans under the data collection framework will provide data for sound scientific advice needed for the implementation of the CFP.

6 Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific measurement of Growth for Fisheries: Economic growth potential and environmental sustainability measured by the proportion (Atlantic) or number of stocks (Mediterranean and Black Sea) that are fished at MSY levels 1. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Implementation of a harmonized message standard (FLUX) based on the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) standard allowing automating the collection and dissemination of the fishery catch and sales data needed for sustainable fishery management and for detecting and combatting IUU 2 fishing. Other important outputs Effective installation and use of the updated electronic reporting system by the Member States as foreseen by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1138. Fishing opportunities for 2018: Communication from the Commission to the EP and Council on Fishing Opportunities and on the implementation of the Landing Obligation (2017/MARE/005) Proposal for a Council Regulation on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2018 (2017/MARE/019) Proposal for a Council Regulation fixing the fishing opportunities in Union waters and, for Union fishing vessels, in certain non-union waters, for 2018 (2017/MARE/008) Adoption by the Commission 1 November 2017 Q September 2017 November In the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the "proportion" of stocks fished sustainably is not provided because the total number of stocks is unknown. The respective catches, in live weight, of the known stocks correspond to a limited part of the total catches (i.e. approx. 495 Kt out of 1.4.Mt total estimated, Source: STECF, GFCM-SAC, and FAO Capture Production). The total number of known stocks may therefore be still very limited compared to the total number of stocks. Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

7 Proposal for a Council Regulation fixing for 2018 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks in the Black Sea (2017/MARE/029) Proposals for multiannual plans for: Northern Adriatic small pelagic fisheries (2016/MARE/001) demersal fisheries in northwestern EU waters (2016/MARE/004) and southwestern EU waters (2016/MARE/005) small pelagic and industrial fish species in the North Sea (2017/MARE/020) demersal species in the Western Mediterranean (2016/MARE/021) Commission Delegated Regulations establishing discard plans for: deep-sea stocks in the North Western Waters of the Atlantic (PLAN/2016/77) and South Western Waters of the Atlantic (PLAN/2016/78) demersal fisheries in the North Sea (2017/MARE/013) Adoption by the Commission Adoption by the Commission December 2017 Q Q Q Q Q October 2017 small pelagics in the North Sea (2017/MARE/014) Commission Implementing Regulation on organic shrimp feed (PLAN/2016/172) Annual report on Member States' efforts in 2015 to balance fishing capacity and fishing opportunities (2017/MARE/006) Preparation (inception impact assessment, public consultation(s), draft IA report) for multiannual plans for: small pelagic species in the Western Mediterranean demersal species in the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Proposal on a Union framework for the collection, October 2017 Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission Q Preparatory work finalised Q Q Adoption by EP and Council Q1-Q2 2017

8 management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the CFP (recast) (COM(2015) 294 final). Proposal for a Regulation of EP and Council on technical measures for the protection of marine organisms (COM(2016) 134). Proposal for a Regulation of EP and Council on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets, repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1006/2008 ("Fishing Authorisations Regulation", COM(2015) 636). Negotiations in EP and Council 2017 End of negotiations in EP and Council Q4 2017

9 For the current programming period ( ), the fundamental objective of the operational programmes of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) implemented by the Member States, is to support the implementation of the CFP and IMP, thus contributing to sustainable and competitive fisheries, aquaculture and coastal area development. This requires implementing the relevant provisions of the EMFF regulation and of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR). In 2017, the Commission will examine the compliance with the ex ante conditionalities, on the basis of reports received from Member States. Following the submission by Member States of the final documents, the programme under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF, ) will be closed in a way which ensures that only properly used EU support is paid for. Finally, for the post-2020 programming period, a stakeholder consultation and an impact assessment will be prepared to provide the basis for the necessary legislative framework. Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific measurement of Jobs for Fisheries: Employment created and maintained with support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes EMFF support to sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture. Other important outputs EMFF payment requests by EMFF Managing Authorities 2017 EFF Closure. Designation of authorities responsible for EMFF implementation. Annual accounts for MS with payment claims for EMFF Annual Implementation Reports (AIR) as per CPR Art. 50(2) (including Financial Instruments, Exante conditionalities, etc.). Submission by Member States of their closure document. Examination and financial closure by the Commission. Completion by the Member States Completion by the Member States. Examination and acceptance by the Commission. Submission by the Member States. Analysis and approval of AIR and assessment of the fulfilment of actions plans for EMFF EACs by the

10 Commission Implementing Decision(s) on revised EMFF operational programme submitted by (some) Member States. Progress report on ESIF. Contribution to the Strategic Report summarising the ESIF progress reports of the MS (Art 53(2) CPR). Contribution to the Annual Summary Report of MS AIRs (including financial instruments) (Art 53(1) CPR). Report on the implementation of the Common Monitoring and Evaluation System (CMES) of the EMFF. Interim evaluation report on the implementation of EMFF under direct management. Impact assessment on post-2020 EU support to the implementation of the CFP and IMP. Stakeholder consultations on post EU support to the implementation of the CFP and IMP. Commission. Adoption by the Commission 2017 Completion by the MS (31.08) Submission to EP, Council, CoR, EESC, and debate Transmission to EP and Council Submission to EP and Council 2017 Submission to the EP and Council Completion by the Commission Completion by the Commission

11 The annual report on the EU fishing fleet economic performance will contribute to generate the baseline information that the Commission needs to implement the CFP and ground its proposals. It will also be used as input for future impact assessments. The annual economic report on the EU fish processing sector will contribute to generate information on the economic performance of the sector and will be used as input for policy development and future impact assessments. The annual reports on the balance between fleet capacity and fishing opportunities which the Member States are required by the CFP to produce, are used for conservation purposes and will condition the eligibility of certain fleet segment to some fleet measures under the EMFF. Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific measurement of Growth for Fisheries: Profitability of the EU fishing fleet. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Annual reports on the balance between fleet capacity and fishing opportunities Annual Economic Report on the EU Fishing Fleet, STECF Annual Economic Report on the EU fish processing sector. Other important outputs Completion by the MS End May 2017 Publication of the report July 2017 Publication of the report

12 In the Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture (COM(2013)229) the Commission committed to organise good practice workshops to provide Member States with a fora for exchanging experiences, sharing concerns and learning from each other on the key barriers that hinder aquaculture growth. Three workshops have taken place, and two more will be organised in After one year of exchange with national authorities, there are preliminary indications of the positive effects of the technical workshops, as different Member States announce initiatives to address bottlenecks identified and reduce administrative burdens for aquaculture. These will help address the main barrier to the development of EU aquaculture. In order to help measure the impacts, a mid-term assessment of the state of implementation of the Member States' Multiannual National Plans will be one of the topics of the next technical seminars in The EMFF support to the structuring of the production sector through the support of the Producer Organisations' production and marketing plans is expected to reinforce their role as the cornerstone of the market policy. In anticipating market requirements and demand, and in organising their production activities accordingly, Producer Organisations get a better income from the activities of their members as they take advantage of the market dynamics. The annual report on the EU fish market will provide an economic description and structural analysis of the whole EU fisheries and aquaculture industry to all actors of the value-chain. It will thereby contribute to support business decisions and policy-making and increase market transparency and efficiency. The seminar on EU consumer habits regarding fishery and aquaculture products will provide a forum to discuss with the sector, public authorities and interest groups the performance of the internal market for fishery and aquaculture products and consumers expectations with a view to promoting the sector s competitiveness and exploitation of market opportunities. Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific objective 1: More sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 1: Volume and value of aquaculture production in the EU. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes 2017 EU Fish Market report. Publication of the report October 2017 Other important outputs Two Member State technical workshops on exchange of experiences and good practices in aquaculture. Seminar on EU consumer habits regarding fishery and aquaculture products. Organisation of the workshops with participation from national authorities. Organisation of the seminar with participation from the sector, stakeholders, national authorities and consumer groups. Q2 and Q Q1 2017

13 Following the outcome of the evaluation of the Control Regulation, an impact assessment will be launched to assess whether and to what extent a modification of this regulation is necessary. The specific control and inspection programme (SCIP) for Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Sardine and Anchovy in the Mediterranean needs to be updated to take into consideration the recent measures introduced by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - GFCM (small pelagic stocks in Adriatic Sea, multiannual plan for hake and deep water rose shrimp in the Strait of Sicily) and possible measures adopted in ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) for swordfish. The SCIP for pelagic species in Western Waters should be extended beyond A new SCIP for demersal species in Western Waters is proposed. The North Sea SCIP has already been revised to cover the species subject to landing obligation and to simplify reporting requirements. The Baltic Sea SCIP is operating well and a next revision is foreseen in In 2017, the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) will be granted additional means in order to cooperate with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (ex- FRONTEX) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on Coast Guard functions and to support national authorities in this area, as foreseen under Regulation (EU) 2016/1626 modifying the EFCA Regulation. This new cooperation will enable the EFCA to better implement its tasks related to fisheries control while contributing to the achievement of General Objective III Towards a new policy on Migration. Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific objective 1: More sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 2: Number of Member States with an effective control system. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Evaluation of the Control Report to the EP and the Council Q Regulation. Impact assessment on the possible revision of the Control Regulation. Inception Impact assessment finalised 2017 Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Control expenditure under EMFF Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 (shared management) and Regulation 861/2006 (direct management). Payments 2017 Grant to EFCA. Payment 2017 Study on monitoring small-scale fisheries. Other important outputs Launch of the study 2017

14 Commission Implementing Decisions establishing fisheries control action plans: Fisheries control action plans with Estonia (PLAN/2016/146) and Belgium (PLAN/2016/224). Fisheries control action plan with Germany (PLAN/2016/141). Amendment of the control action plan with Bulgaria (2015/MARE/099) and Romania (2015/MARE/100). Commission Implementing Decisions on SCIPs: Update of Commission Implementing Decision on a SCIP for Bluefin Tuna, Swordfish, Sardine and Anchovy. Commission Implementing Decision for the extension of the SCIP for pelagic species in Western Waters beyond 2017 and/or adoption of a new SCIP for demersal species in Western Waters (2016/MARE/002). Adoption by the Commission Adoption by the Commission Q Q Q Q2 2017

15 Support to the blue economy will come from a variety of EU financing instruments, in particular from ESI Funds (ERDF, CF, EMFF). The proportion of ESIFs dedicated to that support will yield an indication on the EU contribution to investments in jobs, growth and investments in that economy. A Commission Communication on the Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean is proposed as a follow up to the Union for Mediterranean Ministerial Declaration on the Blue Economy endorsed on 17 November This Declaration invites exploring the added value and feasibility of appropriate maritime strategies, including at sub-regional level, notably building on the 5+5 dialogue. The goal is to promote sustainable economic and social prosperity in the western Mediterranean region by creating growth and jobs, improving the competitiveness and attractiveness of blue economy sectors. It will also help preserving healthy and balanced marine and coastal ecosystems by supporting cooperation and actions in relation to safety and security and this way, contributing overall to the Union's priorities "Jobs, Growth and Investment", "Migration agenda" and "A stronger Global Actor". The Commission will propose a series of measures to remove barriers to the growth of the nautical tourism industry; an already-healthy sector that has the potential to provide more high-value-added jobs. A Staff Working Document will follow up on the nautical tourism related actions foreseen by the European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism (COM(2014)86 final). Priority shall be given to unleashing further potential for sustainable jobs and growth in this tourism segment employing up to people and generating about 28 billion per year revenues in Europe. The Staff Working Document should further provide food for thought to a related Ministerial Conference on Maritime Policy and blue economy in April, a Tourism Conference in May and possible Council Conclusions in June, all foreseen to be organised by Malta under the Council Presidency Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific objective 2: A sustainable blue economy generating growth, jobs and prosperity by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 1: EU investment relating to the blue economy expressed as percentage of total European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Western Mediterranean stakeholder conference. Study to define Areas of Particular Environmental Interest in the Atlantic. Studies to support ocean governance. Demonstration projects in the blue economy. Completion by the February 2017 Commission and relevant countries Launch call for tender Q Launch call for tender Q Launch call for proposals Q2 2017

16 Set up the Bioeconomy forum. Launch call for tender Q Study on economic impact of Launch call for tender Q spatial planning. Maritime spatial planning projects. Launch call for proposals Q Other important outputs Staff Working Document on nautical tourism (2017/MARE/001). Staff Working Document on Blue Growth (PLAN/2017/723). Commission Communication on the Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean (2017/MARE+/007). Notification to the College February 2017 Notification to the College Q Adoption by the Commission April 2017

17 Europe now has arguably the world's most advanced integrated marine data and seabed mapping dissemination processes This saves costs for industry because they do not need to resurvey areas that have already been surveyed and it costs less to assemble data from different sources if they use common standards. It promotes innovation because small companies have access to data that was previously the preserve of state agencies. It reduces uncertainty in how the ocean is behaving and will behave in the future which reduces the risk of investment. The outputs in 2017 will maintain and reinforce this capacity. For a better understanding of gaps in ocean observation and seabed, mapping efforts are made to assemble data from different organisations into a coherent picture. Results of stress tests show how well these data are fit for tackling problems from private and public users. A cost-benefit study will provide the foundations for a European Ocean Observing System that will reduce investment risk in the blue economy. Relevant general objective I: A New Boost for Jobs, Growth and Investment. Specific objective 2: A sustainable blue economy generating growth, jobs and prosperity by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 2: Marine Knowledge 2020 Improvement in marine knowledge measured by the degree of use of the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet) in terms of the number of downloads of data per month. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Seabasin stress test. Launch call for tender Q Renew EMODnet secretariat. Launch call for tender Q Projects for extension and Launch call for tender Q maintenance of EMODnet. Other important outputs Output indicator Target Conference to asses results of stress tests in European marine data and prepare the European Ocean Observing System. Conference conclusions February 2017

18 General objective II: A Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy Now that wind and solar power are competitive with fossil fuel technologies, there is some pressure to scale down public support to renewable energy. However, the potential of tide and wave energy to complement these other technologies with a power that is more regular and with comparable costs will only be realised if some public support is provided in the phases before economies of scale kick in. The work in 2017 aims to make sure that this public support is forthcoming and targeted in the most appropriate way. Relevant general objective II: A Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy. Specific measurement for Energy Union: Share of ocean energy and offshore wind energy in the overall EU renewable energy mix. Specific objective 2: A sustainable blue economy generating growth, jobs and prosperity by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 1a - Ocean Energy: installed capacity in offshore ocean energy. Result indicator 1b - Offshore Wind: installed capacity in offshore wind energy. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Grants for environmental monitoring of tidal arrays. Launch call for proposals Q Other important outputs

19 General objective III: Towards a New Policy on Migration In order to ensure the safety and security of our seas and oceans, the Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS). A reporting exercise with Member States will be launched to assess the implementation process in view of a second implementation report in 2017 together with the EEAS. Key aspects of the implementation process at EU level in 2017 will be the further development of: A common research agenda for civilian and military dual use capabilities, also called for in the European Defence Action Plan 4. Additional interoperability projects developed under the CISE programme to further support the design, implementation and testing of CISE enabled information services whilst ensuring the complementarity and coherence with existing information exchange services in the maritime domain operated inter alia by EU agencies. The further development of CISE will be carried out in close cooperation with other policy services of the Commission (DG HOME and DG MOVE), but also with DG DIGIT and JRC, EU agencies as well as with Member States. Inter-agency co-operation between EFCA, EMSA and Frontex on coastguard issues which entered into force in September This work will also include cooperation with national authorities carrying out coastguard functions. Some financial aid to the European and the Mediterranean Coast Guard Function Fora will be given also in 2017 to support the activities of the EU agencies. Relevant general objective III: Towards a New Policy on Migration. Specific measurement for Maritime security: Closing the information gap across borders and sectors to improve maritime surveillance. Specific objective 2: A sustainable blue economy generating growth, jobs and prosperity by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator - Maritime security: Degree of implementation of the EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Grants to support improvement of national interoperability and implementation of CISE enabled services in line with CISE Number of Member States and authorities participating in projects. Grant allocation in Duration of projects: 2 years. 4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - European Defence Action Plan (COM(2016) 950 final).

20 objectives and solutions. European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF). Mediterranean Coast Guard Functions Forum (MCGFF). Other important outputs Number of participating countries Number of participating countries End 2017 End 2017 Triggering agreement between national authorities on CISE enabled information services aiming to contribute closing the information gap identified in Overview and number of committed stakeholders General objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor Combating illegal, unregulated or unreported (IUU) fishing worldwide is a priority for the EU. We import 2/3 of what we consume. The EU is the biggest importer of fishery products. We therefore need to ensure that what is consumed in the EU is not stemming from IUU fisheries. The Commission will strengthen action on IUU fishing by improving current systems and supporting Member States in ensuring efficient controls through the development of electronic tools. With this objective in mind, the EU cooperates with other countries to initiate structural reforms of their fisheries management systems. The objective is to strengthen this action over the next 5 years. In particular, the Commission is seeking to strengthen multilateral and regional actions on curbing IUU fishing by supporting instruments that allow tracking and identifying vessels and nationals engaging in illegal practices. The expected outputs are an improvement of national policies aiming at fighting and deterring IUU practices, reinforced regional cooperation in that sense, and respect of international law principles and objectives. Banning harmful fisheries subsidies is also a priority for the EU. The EU proposal is to address the two most harmful types of subsidies: subsidies that increase the capacity of fleets to catch fish that represent almost 60% of all fisheries subsidies and lead directly to overfishing; subsidies granted to fishermen who engage in IUU fishing. To this end, the EU will actively engage in multilateral negotiations in the WTO to ban, by 2020, harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing and IUU fishing (Action 8 of the Communication on international ocean governance 5 ). 5 Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans (JOIN(2016) 49 final).

21 An essential step for the effective management of fish resources is the exchange of information on fishing locations, gear used, species and quantities caught, etc. Therefore, the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) has developed an open and global standard allowing the electronic exchange of fishery data. The Fisheries Language for Universal Exchange (FLUX) provides a harmonized message standard to automatically access the electronic data from fishing vessels. With this standard, DG MARE is offering to the Member States a pioneer communication tool that could be used in all RFMOs and third countries around the world to automate the collection and dissemination of the fishery catch data needed for sustainable fishery management and for detecting and combatting IUU fishing and thereby, a better ocean governance. Relevant general objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor. Specific measurement for Stronger Global Actor, Fisheries: Fighting IUU fishing globally measured by the number of third countries that the Commission has engaged in a dialogue with and the number of countries having addressed their deficiencies. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Implementation of a prototype for the electronic exchange of fishery data with NEAFC based on the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) standard. Other important outputs Catch data reporting to NEAFC in the FLUX format 1 July 2017 Commission Decisions on preidentification of a third country as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing. Revocations of preidentifications. Commission Decisions on identification of a third country as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing. Adoption by the Commission 2017 Adoption by the Commission 2017 Adoption by the Commission 2017 Revocations of identifications. Adoption by the Commission 2017

22 Specific objective 3: Sustainable fisheries worldwide and improved international governance by 2020 It is a strategic priority for the Commission to ensure that ocean resources globally are used in a sustainable manner. The EU is an important global actor on Ocean Governance. In 2016, the Commission has launched a major political initiative to contribute to stronger and more effective ocean governance. As part of this initiative, the EU will host the fourth edition of the Our Ocean Conference on 5-6 October 2017 in Malta. The concept behind is to bring together highlevel participants from all over the world to focus on some of the key challenges facing the oceans and seas: marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related impacts on the ocean. The conference is a continuation of previous highlevel conferences and is likely to strengthen the EU's role as a global actor in the effort to achieve sustainable fisheries worldwide and to improve international governance by DG MARE is preparing a ministerial declaration of all Mediterranean riparian countries for sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean ('the MEDFISH4EVER Declaration') setting concrete objectives to address major issues such as data collection and exchange, scientific advice and cooperation, management measures for key stocks, better involvement of small-scale fisheries, improving collaboration for control and our fight against IUU fishing. The declaration will be adopted in a ministerial conference, hosted in Malta on March The EU launched a process with EU Member States, third countries and the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) to reverse the declining trend in the fish stocks in the Mediterranean and ensure the existence of a sustainable fisheries sector in the region. Fisheries are in a critical state in the Mediterranean and all parties agree that we need to improve sustainability and international fisheries governance in the area with actions covering: conservation measures, control measures, fight against IUU fishing, better data collection and scientific advice, an ecosystem-based approach to address related environmental issues, and ocean governance. In 2015 and 2016, the GFCM has adopted further recommendations containing certain provisions which are not covered by the CFP. These provisions are binding upon the EU and Member States but do not have direct effect vis-à-vis individuals, so they must be transposed into EU law. The EU has transposed GFCM recommendations adopted until 2013 included. The EU has also transposed ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) recommendations on the BCD (Bluefin Tuna Catch Document) Programme. The ICCAT rules concerning the Electronic Bluefin Tuna Catch Document are applicable since summer These provisions are binding upon the EU and the Member States and are planned to be transposed into EU law in RFMOS (Regional Fisheries Management Organisations) are the key actors in managing fisheries internationally. DG MARE is very active in RFMOs and in line with principles of the CFP, our priorities are better decision making based on best available science, more effective management of fisheries and a level playing field for EU operators. The transposition of RFMO rules into the EU legislative system will help improve transparency and predictability, both of which will strengthen our credibility on the international scene and help to achieve sustainable fisheries worldwide and improved governance.

23 Relevant general objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor. Specific objective 3: Sustainable fisheries worldwide and improved international governance by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 1: Conservation measures based on scientific advice adopted, for all species under the purview of RFMOs to which the EU is a member. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Other important outputs Ministerial Conference MEDFISH4EVER (Ministerial Declaration - PLAN/2017/708). Proposal for a SPRFMO Transposition Regulation (2015/MARE/060). Proposal for a Regulation of EP and Council on conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of NAFO (2010/MARE/014). Proposal for a IOTC Transposition Regulation (2016/MARE/003). Proposal for a GFCM Transposition Regulation. Proposal for a Regulation of EP and Council establishing a BCD Programme for Bluefin tuna (2016/MARE/127). Commission Decision on signature of an EC-US Joint Statement on ocean partnership (2016/MARE/117). Completion by the Commission and relevant Member States and riparian third countries Q Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission Q Adoption by the Commission 2017

24 The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) in force are directly contributing to the capacity of the EU fishing fleet to extend its fishing operations in non- EU waters in a highly regulated and transparent framework. The objective is also to ensure as much as possible continuity between fishing grounds, in particular for the tuna fleet through the existence of a network of SFPAs. Each year, on average 25% of the SFPA protocols expire and in order to ensure continuity of fishing and maintain a coherent network of SFPAs, new protocols must be negotiated. Relevant general objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor. Specific objective 3: Sustainable fisheries worldwide and improved international governance by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 2: Number of SFPAs in force. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Commission Decision regarding credits for the implementation of SFPAs (financing decision). Other important outputs Adoption by the Commission Q Proposals for the conclusion of a new SFPA/protocol with the following third countries 6 : Equatorial Guinea (2016/MARE/068) Adoption by the Commission Côte d'ivoire (2017/MARE/004) Adoption by the Commission Morocco (2017/MARE/002, 022, Adoption by the 023 and 024) Commission Kenya (2016/MARE/053, 054 and 055) São Tome e Principe (2017/MARE/003) Mozambique (2015/MARE/009, 010 and 011) Tanzania (2016/MARE/062, 063 and 064) Adoption by the Commission Adoption by the Commission Adoption by the Commission Adoption by the Commission Madagascar (2017/MARE/009) Adoption by the Commission Mauritius (2016/MARE/049, 059, Adoption by the 060 and 061) Commission Evaluations: Q (mandate) Q Q (mandate) and Q Q Q Q Q Q Q SFPAs and their associated protocols enter into force after concluding negotiations with the third country concerned.

25 Ex-post evaluation of the SFPA with Ivory Coast and the ex-ante evaluation and analysis of the impact of a new FPA. Ex-post evaluation of the SFPA with São Tomé and Principe and the exante evaluation and analysis of the impact of a new FPA. Ex-post evaluation of the SFPA with Morocco and the ex-ante evaluation and analysis of the impact of a new FPA. Ex-post evaluation of the SFPA with Madagascar and the ex-ante evaluation and analysis of the impact of a new FPA. Final report Q Final report Q Final report Q Final report 2017 One of the main implementation issues in the context of the IUU Regulation is the catch certification scheme and its related controls and verifications for import and export of fishery products, requiring certain structures and resources in place. Member States are competent to ensure necessary controls. Currently, the scheme is totally paper based and an IT project is under preparation to "automate" this process and to create a data base, allowing for risk based controls, reducing opportunities of fraudulent imports and easing the administrative burden of Member States. The IT system will be developed by DG SANTE under its TRACES system, which is already used for heath certificates. Concrete work has already started to prepare the planned IT developments; DG SANTE made a business analyst available to support DG MARE in preparing detailed business cases and user requirements to be developed in DG MARE will also continue with its bilateral dialogues with third countries under the IUU Regulation that could lead to Commission Decisions on pre-identification or identification of a third country as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing as well as possible revocation of existing pre-identifications or identifications during year Relevant general objective IV: A Stronger Global Actor. Specific objective 3: Sustainable fisheries worldwide and improved international governance by 2020 Related to spending programme(s) Programme-based: EMFF Non programme-based Result indicator 3 : Control of imports of fisheries products in the EU. All new initiatives and REFIT initiatives from the Commission Work Programme Important items from work programmes/financing decisions/operational programmes Modernisation of the catch certification system by using IT cost-effective system, harmonized Memorandum of Understanding with DG SANTE signed. Preparation of business/user requirements for the 2017

26 risk analysis and catch certification controls to improve implementations by Member States of the of IUU Regulation. Other important outputs future IT system under TRACES in cooperation with DG SANTE business analysis. Commission Decisions on preidentification of a third country as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing. Adoption by the Commission 2017 Revocations of pre-identifications. Adoption by the Commission 2017 Commission Decisions on identification of a third country as a non-cooperating third country in fighting IUU fishing. Adoption by the Commission 2017 Revocations of identifications. Adoption by the Commission 2017 PART 2. MAIN ORGANISATIONAL MANAGEMENT OUTPUTS FOR THE YEAR A. Human resource management DG MARE is fully committed to achieving the mandatory objective set at corporate level in the area of organisational management. In 2017, DG MARE will continue to aim at the effective and efficient delivery of the political priorities. In its HR policy, DG MARE will pay particular attention to the efficient use of resources and to the wellbeing and the engagement of staff. At 44% in January 2015, DG MARE was well above the Commission average on the representation of women in middle management functions. DG MARE is committed to ensuring that gender balance objectives are fully attained. In 2016, the percentage of women middle managers in DG MARE rose to 45%. Due to the corporate exercise for mobility of middle managers, the number of female middle managers in MARE will drop from 9 to 8 (i.e. from 45% to 40%). The target for 2017 is to increase this level of gender balance from 40% to 45%, and if possible to move to an even higher target with a view to gradually approaching the 2019 target of 50% set for DG MARE by the Commission in July To achieve this target, DG MARE will continue to ensure the presence of women in appointment panels as well as to encourage potential female AD's to apply for middle management posts. 32% of DG MARE staff replied in the 2016 Commission Staff Survey that they consider the Commission cares about their wellbeing which signifies a drop of 7 percentage points compared to the 2014 result. The target for 2017 is to improve this percentage up to 40%. As a follow-up to the 2014 Staff Survey results, an extensive internal consultation took place, which resulted in a number of actions aiming at enhancing wellbeing that will continue to be implemented in 2017, including the organisation of training events and lunchtime conferences on topics related to wellbeing; cooperation with DG AGRI on the organisation of wellbeing and fit@work activities; and promotion of fit@work actions across the Commission. As regards the physical environment, DG MARE will consistently pursue

27 the objective of its upgrading. DG MARE will use the opportunity of the office moves in the context of the reorganisation (1 January 2017) to further improve ergonomics and will in particular actively inform DG MARE staff of the facilities provided at corporate level. In addition, DG MARE will request the OIB to convert archive space so as to create further space for MARE staff. Furthermore, DG MARE will continue to support its senior and middle managers with a view to implementing and exchanging best practices for and between managers. DG MARE will also continue to promote flexible working methods (including flexitime and part-time arrangements) as a way to boost productivity and ability to adapt to changing workloads and demands. In the 2016 Commission Staff Survey, DG MARE's Staff Engagement Index declined to 67%, compared to the previous survey. It remained nevertheless above the Commission average of 64%. The target for 2017 is to improve DG MARE's score for the Staff Engagement Index. During 2016, DG MARE has implemented the key actions of its Action Plan for Staff Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion and set up the MARE Staff Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion (SEDI) Working Group. This SEDI Working Group is chaired by the Director-General with the participation of staff from all categories and functions. The group will discuss and act upon the results of the Staff Survey and will assist the Director-General in the development of a new Action Plan covering

28 Objective: The DG deploys effectively its resources in support of the delivery of the Commission priorities and core business, has a competent and engaged workforce, which is driven by an effective and gender-balanced management and which can deploy its full potential within supportive and healthy working conditions. Monthly dashboard from DG HR. % of women in middle management functions. 2017: increase the current level of 40% to 45%. Development of a new Staff Engagement Action Plan actions on wellbeing. Development of a new Staff Engagement Action Plan overall level of staff engagement. Staff survey results available on wellbeing. Staff survey results available on Staff Engagement Index. 2019: 50% (Equal Opportunities Strategy for senior management, middle management and nonmanagement administrators). 2017: improve the score of 32% of the 2016 Staff Survey to 40%: Raise awareness on flexible working arrangements in order to increase percentage of staff doing telework (17% in 2016) as well as percentage of staff recuperating overtime (70% in 2016). Raise staff awareness on availability at corporate level in terms of office ergonomics; make meeting rooms more attractive; create more space for staff to meet. Organise more 'health days' as they proved to be popular with staff. 2017: improve the score of 67% of the 2016 Staff Survey (2016: launch of the survey in Spring).