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INTERNATIONAL BALTIC SEA FISHERY COMMISSIONThirtieth SessionGdańsk, Poland, 6 - 10 September 200430th Session: Report of the Plenary Meetings
Serial No 894 Proceedings No 3Opening Ceremony in the City Hall of Gdańsk
Item 1: Opening of the Session
Opening the Thirtieth Session of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission at 10:00 a.m. on September 6, 2004, in the White Hall of the City Hall of Gdańsk, Mr. Victor Osadtchy, The Chairman of the Commission, addressed the Delegates in the following way:
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning!
I am pleased to welcome you to the 30th anniversary Session of the Commission. A special welcome to: Mr. Jerzy Pilarczyk, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Waldemar Nocny, Vice-President of the City of Gdańsk. I would like to introduce and welcome the new Delegate from Lithuania . Mr. Aidas Adomaitis who replaced Mr. Vytautas Vaitiekunas. A special welcome to the Observers present from 5 intergovernmental organisations and 1 non-governmental organisation in the following order:
- FAO, Rome, Mr. Hiromoto Watanabe, Fishery Liaison Officer of the Fisheries Department of FAO; - ICES, Mr. Hans Lassen, Head of Advisory Service of ICES; - HELCOM, Mr. Juha-Markku Leppanen, Professional Secretary of HELCOM; - NEAFC represented by the Polish Delegation; - Baltic 21, Mr. Marek Maciejowski, Secretary General of Baltic 21 - Coalition Clean Baltic, Mr. Gunnar Norén, Secretary General of CCB and Mr. Piotr Gruszka.
I am sorry to pass the sad news of the death of Dr. Zdzisław Russek . the former Secretary of IBSFC in the years 1981 . 1984. A condolence message was delivered on behalf of IBSFC at the funeral in Gdynia. I also would like to express condolences to the Russian Delegation on behalf of the Commission in connection to the tragedy in Bieslan. I ask all the Delegates for a minute of silence in tribute to the late Mr. Russek and the victims of terrorism in Bieslan.
Here, in the splendid city of Gdańsk, related to the sea during its whole history, the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources in the Baltic Sea and Belts was signed in 1973.
The International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission created in the frames of this Convention has systematically implemented its basic principles and provisions during all past years.
There were triumphs and failures on this way, however, we have always maintained the atmosphere of co-operation and searching for the most efficient solutions in the Baltic fishing resources management. Owing to the Commission.s activities, advanced methods of assessment and rational utilisation of cod, herring, sprat and salmon have been implemented.
We have set complicated objectives aiming at improvement of our activities in the future and I am sure they will be achieved.
Certainly, the efficient activities of the Commission would be impossible without permanent attention and support from the Government of Poland.
I would like to express my gratitude to all representatives of the Contracting Parties, experts, specialists, scientists, fishermen and Secretariat staff for their inestimable contribution to the Commission.s work and to wish attaining good results at this outstanding Session.
Item 2: Welcome Addresses and statements of Delegates Mr. Jerzy Pilarczyk, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, welcomed the Contracting Parties in the following address:
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Guests and Delegates,
We are in Gdańsk, the city of long, glorious, however complicated history, dating from the year 980. Gdańsk is a hanzeatic city, closely linked with the sea. Here, in Gdańsk, in this hall, the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources in the Baltic Sea and the Belts, later called the Gdańsk Convention was signed on 13 September 1973. It was a historical event, which proved the wisdom and responsibility of the Baltic States as well as their understanding that the protection of the living resources of the Baltic Sea needs close and wide co-operation notwithstanding the political and economic differences. The International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission was established pursuant to Article V of the Convention, which started its work in 1974 during its first Session. Today we meet at the thirtieth meeting, therefore, it is a jubilee. For thirty years the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission has co-operated with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and other international fishery organisations, co-ordinates the management of the living resources in the Convention area and initiates scientific research, prepares and proposes recommendations, collects and analyses information submitted by the Contracting Parties. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the present Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Walter Ranke as well as all former Secretaries, and the staff of the Secretariat for their enormous effort which has permitted smooth realisation of the aims of this Convention.
During these thirty years the co-operation in the framework of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission prevented catastrophic decrease of resources, which happened in other regions of the world. Living resources are extremely sensitive not only to human interference but also to changes in hydrological conditions, so complicated in the Baltic Sea. For this reason the management of the Baltic resources is not easy and calls for co-operation of all engaged Parties.
Today we face a new situation, since following the accession of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to the European Union more than 90% of the Baltic Sea waters have now become the waters of the European Union. This situation constitutes a new challenge and calls for the establishment of new ways of co-operation in the Baltic Sea. I am convinced that our thirty years of experience will help us to reach this goal.
The accession of other Baltic States to the European Union will be of great importance to the fishery, as it will permit, with the use of the EU structural funds, to proceed with the restructuring of the fishing fleet, as result of which the fishing quota will be adapted to the size of the resources. Poland has started the difficult and painful programme of the reduction of its fishing fleet. We assume that until the year 2006 our fishing potential will be reduced by nearly 40%. It is a difficult but necessary task because conducting responsible fishery with an unbalanced fishing potential is practically impossible. As result of the fleet reduction many fishermen will quit their jobs. This operation shall be eased by EU aid, which will help the fishermen and their families to start a new activity when leaving their jobs. Those who shall remain will have a chance to gain new economic stability. To this end there is a need to stabilise the regulations and to follow a clear fishery policy which will assist the difficult process of restructuring, especially the case of cod fishery. One of the important tasks, already implemented, is the modernisation and considerable enforcement of fishery control, with the goal to comply with the requirements of the European Union and to make it effective in accomplishing its tasks. This is one of the priority tasks to which the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development pays great attention.
There are also new challenges in front of us, such as the increase of the ecological consciousness of fishermen as well as the increase of their participation in the management of the resources. The creation of the Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council is a step in the right direction to fulfil this task and I hope that this Council will soon be created.
The so far implemented strategies aimed at protecting the most important Baltic fish species need continuous improvement. Scientists are of the opinion that every fish stock should be subject to separate management. Particular attention is being paid to cod stocks and separate management of the eastern and western stock is recommended. This proposal should be very carefully considered. I would like to present my own opinion on this matter based on several years of experience in managing the Polish fishery sector. I think that the new management would be effective if prior to its implementation we persuade the fishermen that it is favourable to the stocks and, in longer perspective, also to those who are exploiting these stocks. Haste in this matter is not recommended as it could result in adverse than expected results. It is very important for the state of the resources as well as for fishermen who exploit them to unify to the greatest possible extend the regulations aimed at protecting these resources. This refers in particular to the protection of flounder and plaice as well as industrial fishery, from which the raw materials are used in the production of fishmeal and oil. The decisions in this matter should be taken without delay since their lack results in an uneven treatment of fishermen in particular sub-divisions and also could lead to the worsening of the biological condition of the resources.
With the surface of 415 thousand sq. km the Baltic Sea is a small enclosed area which should be treated in a special way and therefore I think that time has come to consider in future the possibility to restrict the size of vessels permitted to fish in this area. I would like to express my deep conviction that these evidently difficult problems shall be solved, that we will head towards further improvement of management of the fish living resources of the Baltic Sea through among others, dialogue and effective co-operation of the science, administration and fishermen, since we all have a common goal which is responsible and sustainable development of Baltic fishery. We are obliged to do it in compliance with the Common Fishery Policy of the European Union and the Code of Responsible Fishery adopted by all States present at this meeting.
Thank you for your attention, and I wish all Delegates fruitful debates and a nice stay in our tri-city.
Mr. Waldemar Nocny, Vice-President of the City of Gdańsk, welcomed the Delegates saying:
Distinguished Guests - Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my honour and real pleasure to welcome you to the hospitable, historic city on the river Motława, on behalf of Mr. Paweł Adamowicz - the Mayor of the City of Gdańsk.
Today.s Thirtieth Anniversary Session of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission is an extraordinary event in numerous ways. It has been 31 years since the Gdańsk Convention came into force. Signed in 1973 in the very same magnificent hall, the Convention was an attempt at finding compromises beyond political and ideological divisions. We, the people of Gdańsk take pride in this fact and are happy to see the initiative, that originated in our city, survive diverse, often trying turns of the history. We are proud that what eventually proved the most fundamental value is the common good and care of the natural resources of the Baltic Sea.
What is also meaningful is that you are meeting in Poland at the time when our fisheries are undergoing major transformation. Hopefully, this Session will contribute to a better understanding of the Polish fisheries. situation by the local communities whose well-being has been inseparable from the sea for centuries.
I wish to submit congratulations and deep thanks to all those of you whose efforts contributed to holding this 30th Session here in Gdańsk. All these years the states of our region have been following the provisions of the Gdańsk Convention in the spirit of the Baltic States co-operation and in view of rational management of the Baltic Sea resources, bearing in mind the common well-being of our generation and that of our children.s.
Today.s Session is extraordinary, however, not only because you are meeting here for the thirtieth time, but also due to the fact that the Session is being carried out along a new formula. Whereas last year, Vilnius - our twin-city, still had the honour of hosting the six partners: Estonia, the European Union, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and the Russian Federation, today, though in the same company, we are just two parties: the European Union and the Russian Federation. I do hope that the co-operation within this group will prove equally successful. I am also convinced that Gdańsk will remain a special place in the memory of all of you as well as for the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission.
Thank you for your attention and I wish you a fruitful Session.
Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretary of IBSFC presented to the Delegates a letter received from the Mayor of Gdynia, Mr. Wojciech Szczurek, in which the Mayor congratulated the Commission on its 30-year work and wished success in the current Session. (Annex to this report).
Mr. Ole Tougaard, Head of the European Community Delegation gave the following opening statement:
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary, Distinguished Delegates and Observers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to be here in Gdansk at this Thirtieth Annual Session of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission. On behalf of the European Union I would like to express my delight at being back here, at the place where the IBSFC had its origins on 13 September, 1973 following the signing of the Gdansk Convention. I am very pleased by the arrangements made for this opening ceremony here in the City Hall of Gdansk, one of the most splendid venues for any of our meetings over the years.
For us all today, this is a very historic occasion, for after 30 years of hard work the IBSFC is once again celebrating its birthday, this time a birthday of real significance. There are few fisheries organisations, which have had such a long life. But with those thirty years behind us, we also realise today that the co-operation in fisheries matters in the Baltic region has reached a turning point, as four of the Parties around this table have recently become part of the European Union. This will lead us to a strengthened relationship between the enlarged European Union and the Russian Federation, a major partner with whom we are looking forward to constructing a new long-lasting and constructive fisheries relationship over the coming months . a real partnership and co-operation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this week we have to deal with present issues. We have an agenda ahead of us with important and necessary decisions to take to ensure that there are continued responsible and sustainable fisheries in the Baltic Sea. I will not go into details of the agenda here but I would like to highlight some of the points, which will arise.
Regarding the sprat, the ICES advice looks very optimistic. As regards the herring, we have seen a positive development and some of the stocks are even in relatively good shape. Nevertheless, we must recognise the mixed nature of the sprat/herring fishery and ensure that none of the TACs are over-fished. This will probably mean that when one of the TACs has been exhausted, the unsorted landings of herring and sprat will have to stop. Moreover, I would also like to recall the decision we made last year, to introduce four management units for herring, based on the recommendations for ICES.
On the Cod, in 2003, we adopted a new management plan for the two cod stocks and I believe we should take our decisions this week in accordance with this plan with appropriate TAC allocations for the western and eastern management areas. When discussing cod we cannot neglect that the eastern cod stock is in a very severe situation and that ICES has recommended no fishing on this stock in 2005. Here we will certainly have to take painful but necessary decisions on how to manage the stock in 2005 and the years to come.
For the salmon stocks, I can note with great satisfaction the progress made within the Salmon Action Plan to ensure self-sustaining wild salmon stocks in Baltic Sea rivers. However, this work needs to continue and we must carefully examine the situation and agree on the appropriate management measures for 2005. In this context, we will need to be particularly vigilant as regards the wild salmon stocks in the Gulf of Finland and we should be prepared to take the appropriate measures.
At this week.s meeting, there are a number of non-government organisation observers present. This should be a clear indication to us of the importance of the decisions, which we will take this week. There is certainly a need to establish the right balance and create favourable conditions for the fishing industry as well as for the fish stocks and the environment in general.
Mr. Chairman, it is with great delight that I see you presiding once again over the proceedings this week. I would like to thank you and all the members of the IBSFC Secretariat, and in particular Dr. Walter Ranke, for all the work that you have done in preparing this meeting. I would also like to give special thanks to the Polish authorities for all the efforts they are making to ensure our comfort this week in Gdynia and Gdansk.
Minister, Lord Mayor, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary, Distinguished Delegates and Observers, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the European Community, may I express the desire of my delegation to work with you all over the next week and I look forward to a very constructive and successful meeting.
Mr. Sergey Leontiev from the Russian Delegation thanked for the invitation to the Anniversary Session and gave the following opening statement:
.Dear Minister, President, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like, on behalf of the Russian Delegation, to welcome heartily and to congratulate you on the occasion of the 30th IBSFC anniversary Session opening. It is reasonable that this ceremonial event is held in this hall. Everybody knows that 30 years ago the Gdańsk Convention was signed here and later on the Baltic Commission was founded. At present, the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission has a long-term and honourable history. Owing to the efforts of the Contracting Parties the basic commercial fish stocks have been maintained at a sustainable level of exploitation. This result has been achieved due to co-ordinated actions and good will of all Contracting Parties. The Russian Delegation has arrived to this Session with great expectations. The priority problems being in the focus of the Russian Delegation include stock condition and fishing prospects of cod, herring, sprat and salmon. I do hope that we.ll follow the good tradition and hold this Session in the spirit of understanding and responsibility and we.ll be able to solve all complicated problems. I would like to congratulate you again on the Session opening and to wish every success to you all..
Mr. Algirdas Rusakevicius from the Lithuanian Delegation stated it is great honour and pleasure to take part in the Session and noted that the history of its participation has been relatively short as it is only 11 years since it joined the Commission. The Delegation thanked all the Contracting Parties for the assistance in scientific research and trainings and expressed the hope that the fruitful co-operation will continue since it is impossible to manage the resources without co-operation.
Mr. Ain Soome from the Estonian Delegation thanked the Polish government for organising the Session in the historic city of Gdansk and noted that some stocks in the Baltic Sea are at satisfactory level but remarked that everything has to be done to sustain the effort at protecting the stocks and to continue the efficient co-operation in the new political situation.
Mr. Normunds Riekstins from the Latvian Delegation pointed to the mature co-operation developed during 30 years of the IBSFC existence. It stated that a lot of right decisions were taken during that time to keep the stocks in good condition. It noted that the fishery in the Baltic Sea continues whereas some fisheries in other seas cannot be reopened. The Delegation expressed the hope that the co-operation between the eight Member States of the European Union and the Russian Federation will develop effectively and that there is the future for the stocks in the Baltic Sea.
Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretary of IBSFC brought up some memories of the historic first meeting of a group of experts from the fishery management, scientific institutions and industry in June 1972 in Stockholm, which led to establishing the IBSFC. He remarked that it was the first case of an organisation established for an enclosed sea. He noted that some people of the early days of IBSFC are present at today.s anniversary session: Mr. Lothar Fischer from Germany, Dr. Jan Netzel, Dr. Zbigniew Karnicki and Mr. Henryk Ganowiak from Poland, which emphasises their great deal of professional experience in the organisation.
Item 3: Observer statements
Mr. Hiromoto Watanabe of FAO delivered the following statement:
Mr. Chairman, Vice President of Gdansk City, distinguished delegates and observers:
FAO is very grateful for the invitation extended by the Secretariat of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission (IBSFC), to observe the Thirtieth Session of the Commission held in this memorable city, where the Convention was signed in 1973. Since then IBSFC has been a leading regional fishery body for the sustainable and responsible fisheries management of the Baltic Sea.
One of the main issues which FAO wishes to observe during this session is the future of IBSFC after the accession of four Contracting Parities to EU on 1 May 2004. FAO has a close and effective working relationship with IBSFC and desires to continue such collaboration in an appropriate manner under any arrangement to be decided.
The role of regional fishery bodies has been increasing its importance and highly expected in sustainable and responsible fisheries management all over the world. The Technical Consultation to Review Progress and Promote the Full Implementation of the IPOA to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing and the IPOA for the Management of Fishing Capacity held in Rome, 24-29 June 2004, noted that Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) played a pivotal role in galvanizing regional action against IUU fishing and related activities. During the Consultation a number of initiatives were proposed including strengthening informal and formal networks between RFMOs and closing regional governance gaps that permitted IUU fishers to operate. The Technical Consultation to Review Port State Measures to Combat IUU Fishing, just held in Rome, 31 August . 2 September 2004, also highlighted that concerted action at the regional level should be encouraged for taking harmonised and co-ordinated Port State Measures to combat IUU fishing and agreed on the .Model Scheme., which would be considered as constituting principles and guidelines to be used by States as a reference for the negotiation and adoption of regional MOUs or of resolutions or recommendations within RFMOs, as well as alternatively for the adoption of measures by Port States at the national level.
Mr. Chairman,
FAO will convene the Twenty-sixth Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) from 7 to 11 March 2005, followed by a Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries on 12 March 2005. Then the Fourth Meeting of Regional Fishery Bodies will be held also in FAO Headquarters on 14 and 15 March 2005. These are the best opportunities for any Regional Fishery Bodies to exchange information and co-ordinate their actions at each regional level. As in previous years FAO looks forward to active participation of IBSFC to these meetings.
I will carefully and conscientiously observe the proceedings of this meeting and report appropriately to the management of the FAO Fisheries Department.
Taking this opportunity, FAO wishes to express again the appreciation for the assistance and co-operation received from IBSFC.
Finally I hope that the meeting will be marked with success and that the outcome will serve to promote sustainable and responsible fisheries in the Baltic Sea.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to make this statement on behalf of FAO.
Mr. Juha-Markku Leppanen, the HELCOM Observer made the following statement:
HELCOM congratulates IBSFC for the valuable work carried out for the protection and the rational utilisation of the marine living resources of the Baltic Sea since signing the Gdańsk Convention in 1973. Also HELCOM celebrated its 30th anniversary in March 2004. The fruitful co-operation between IBSFC and HELCOM has been the first case of a common effort made by an international fishery management organisation and an environmental organisation.
HELCOM's main mission is to protect the Baltic Sea area and to restore and safeguard its ecological balance. HELCOM's effort to mitigate the impacts of fishing, for example through the development of a network of Baltic Sea Protected Areas, or through various restoration projects directed at endangered species, would not only contribute to nature conservation, but also towards a more sustainable use of the marine living resources, and possibly even long-term benefits for the fisheries industry.
HELCOM is conscious of the significant impacts of the deterioration of the marine environment to fish and fisheries; eutrophication and hazardous substances such as dioxins as the main focus. HELCOM is also conscious of the equally significant impacts of fisheries to the Baltic Sea environment. Not only are commercial fish stocks threatened, but by-catches of non-target fish species, migrating bird species, and marine mammals are also significant. The impacts of fishing activities not only threaten environmental and ecological conditions, but also have detrimental effects on the sustainability of the fishing industry.
HELCOM will promote the ecosystem approach for the management of human activities by raising awareness among general public, governments of the Contracting Parties, and international bodies. HELCOM should also promote the setting of targets and objectives (EcoQOs) in order to devise long-term management plans and strategies, including fisheries, and efforts should be made to better integrate fisheries and environmental policies. Since the expansion of the European Union in May 2004, all HELCOM Contracting Parties, except for the Russian Federation, are also EU Member States. HELCOM will maintain equal partnerships of all the Contracting Parties and continue contributing to enhance the relation between EU and Russia in order to ensure that the same environmental measures are implemented in the whole Baltic catchment area.
Now all the EU Member States manage their fisheries according to the new EU Common Fisheries Policy which came into effect on 1st January 2003. In an attempt to achieve a more biologically, environmentally, socially and economically sustainable fisheries, the CFP is setting up Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) to provide fishermen and scientists with a forum where they can share knowledge and experience. HELCOM hopes to provide input to a Baltic RAC by promoting actions that mitigate the environmental impacts of fisheries through co-ordinated positions of the Contracting Parties.
HELCOM plays a central role when it comes to monitoring and assessing the state of the Baltic Sea environment, which in turn provides a fundamental basis for determining suitable regional fisheries and environmental policies. Fish catch data are often inaccurate because of underreporting by fishermen or countries. A harmonisation of fisheries monitoring methods is therefore required. HELCOM is planning a co-ordinated, comprehensive monitoring programme, including the work being carried out by ICES and the HELCOM coastal fish monitoring programme, in order to assess the impacts of fisheries on commercial and non-target species. Through information gained from such a monitoring programme HELCOM hopes to further development and ecologically coherent network of Baltic Sea Protected Areas. The establishment of marine protected areas is an important step forward mitigating the environmental impacts of fisheries, especially if they include spawning and / or nursing grounds which in the long term may benefit the fisheries industry.
Other HELCOM activities which relate to fisheries include: ˇ Input to the EU Habitats Directive through the production of a "Red List of Species" and updating of the existing Red List of Marine and Coastal Biotopes for the Baltic Sea Area. This action could contribute significantly to a programme aimed at enhancing the protection of species and habitats in European marine waters; ˇ Development and adoption of a new Annex to the 1992 Helsinki Convention dealing with "Sustainable use of marine natural resources, nature conservation and biodiversity" by 2007, taking into account the environmental impacts of fisheries; ˇ A management plan for seals, as HELCOM recognises that rising seal populations have led to conflicts with fishermen; ˇ Promoting the efforts of the Contracting Parties to protect the harbour porpoises, through participation in the Jastarnia Plan ( under ASCOBANS).
HELCOM hopes that through continued international co-operation in the Baltic region, changes can be made in fisheries practices in order to jointly work towards securing a healthy marine environment and a sustainable fisheries industry.
Mr. Hans Lassen, the ICES Observer made the following statement: Your Excellency Minister, Vice President of the Gdansk Council, IBSFC President, IBSFC Delegates and Observers,
Dear Friends The political scene is changing in the Baltic and organisations promoting international co-operation must change with the political environment in which they work. ICES continues as a centre for scientific investigations of the Baltic marine ecosystem and its resources and maintain its commitment to assess and inform on the status of the Baltic Sea ecosystem and in particular its fish stocks. We look forward to work together with all of you in the new framework that will be devised. ICES believes that the co-operation established through IBSFC over the years between management, industry and science as participants has significant value. This important network and the open discussion forum that IBSFC also represents should remain in place and be part of a new organisational framework. The IBSFC and ICES Secretariats have worked very smoothly and well together and also this is a tradition that should be continued. ICES is currently developing its form of advice with the gradual introduction of the Ecosystem Approach and advice based on fisheries as a supplement to advice based on stock status . ICES is implementing and this implementation takes time. One element is to collect the relevant data and time to build up the necessary time series. Another element in the process is the further development of an Ecosystem Approach. Much of this work is done at national institutes and by national authorities. The pace with which ICES is able to implement changes depends on the willingness of member countries to make funds and expertise available to this work. History is sometimes seen as a burden questioning our ability to live up to past great men. Some great Polish kings look down upon us from paintings on these walls. They in their time dealt with difficult questions and attacked problems courageously. I am sure that IBSFC will address its issues competently and pick up the gauntlet that these kings throw at us. I wish IBSFC a successful 30th Session.
Mr. Marek Maciejowski, Secretary General of Baltic 21, said he felt privileged to be able to represent Baltic 21 at the 30th Session of IBSFC. He mentioned that work of Baltic 21 is carried out in eight sectors, the fishery sector being one of them. He therefore emphasised that Baltic 21 looked forward to continued involvement of IBSFC as the lead party of Baltic 21 Fisheries Sector. He underlined the importance of this issue to be considered during the present Session.
Mr. Gunnar Norén, the observer from Coalition Clean Baltic pointed out that new concepts for effective control of fisheries should be sought in the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, illegal fisheries on the cod stock in the Sound area, between Denmark and Sweden should be controlled. Next he pointed to the most important issues concerning the Baltic salmon stocks. The most significant actions that need to be considered regarding salmon include the genetic analysis of the mixed stock fishery composition, population viability analysis of the different Baltic salmon populations, establishment of a Baltic Sea salmon river database on the internet, open to the public, proper monitoring of returning spawners, by e.g., introducing automatic fish-counters in most Baltic Sea salmon rivers, considering phasing out of mixed fisheries significantly exploiting more than 3 salmon stocks and development of the management of mixed salmon fisheries that protect the weakest stock exploited. He also pointed to the role of EU in bringing the experience from management of Atlantic salmon management to the Baltic Sea. He said that the Commission should discuss these issues and prepare relevant measures and proposals. CCB asks the EC and the Baltic Sea region government to consider establishment of a new structure-institution for the management of the Baltic salmon, e.g., the Baltic Sea Salmon Conservation Organisation.
First Plenary
Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda and Timetable of the Session
In the absence of any comments on the agenda and timetable of the Session from the Delegations the Plenary adopted the agenda in the form presented in Doc. 30/S/04/1.
After the adoption of the Agenda, the Chairman of the Commission gave the floor to the Representative of the Coalition Clean Baltic, Mr. Gunnar Norén to make a statement.
Mr. Gunnar Norén, from the Coalition Clean Baltic focused in particular on the protection of the wild salmon stocks in the Baltic.
Item 2: Future of IBSFC- after the accession of 4 Contracting Parties to EU on 1 May 2004.
The EC Delegation stated that it had already expressed its view on the future of IBSFC at the last Session of the Commission and asked to keep this item open and return to it during the week after informal discussions with the Russian Federation.
The Russian Delegation made the following statement regarding the future of IBSFC:
.The proposals made by the distinguished EC Delegate concerning the future of IBSFC will be carefully considered and the Russian Delegation certainly will provide its comments. The Russian Party stays for maintaining the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources in the Baltic Sea signed on 13th September 1973 and continuation of the Commission functioning in a bilateral format (EU-Russia). For this purpose it is necessary to introduce appropriate amendments in the Convention, in the Rules of Procedure of the Commission and in financing. Probably it is required to initiate the beginning of negotiations on the problem of changing of the form of participation in the Gdańsk Convention to solve this problem in the nearest future..
The Polish Delegation supported the EC.s proposal to postpone the discussion on the future of IBSFC and informed the Delegates that the Polish government had received notifications on withdrawal from IBSFC from Latvia and Lithuania. The Delegation also reported that Poland could be expected to notify its withdrawal from IBSFC in October this year.
The Latvian Delegation confirmed that it presented its notification to withdraw from the Commission on 30 June, in accordance with the terms of the Accession Treaty. It agreed to return to this issue after bilateral discussions with the Russian Delegation.
The Lithuanian Delegation stated that the government of Lithuania notified the government of Poland about its withdrawal from IBSFC on 2 September 2004 and supported the proposal to postpone discussions on this issue.
The Estonian Delegation informed the Delegations that Estonia had initiated the internal procedure to withdraw from the IBSFC and would send its notification to the Polish government by the end of this year.
Item 3: Reports on meetings with other international organisations and projects in particular: - Third Meeting of the Secretariats of IBSFC, NAFO, NAMMCO, NASCO and NEAFC, London, 21 April 2004; - IBSFC activities in Baltic 21 (Lead Party Fisheries)- SOG 19 Stralsund / Germany, October 2003, SOG 20, Vilnius/Lithuania (March 2004) and Baltic 21 Stakeholder Strategy Workshop, Riga, Latvia, 22-23 January, 2004; - GEF- Baltic Sea Regional Project, First Meeting of the Steering Group, Helsinki, 10 May 2004.
Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretary of the Commission gave an overview of the joint meetings of IBSFC with other international organisations (Doc. 30/S/04/9). He noted that the Third Meeting of the Secretariats of IBSFC, NAFO, NAMMCO, NASCO and NEAFC took place in London on 21 April, 2004, at the NEAFC Headquarters. He reminded the Delegates that the first meeting was organised at the initiative of NEAFC in its headquarters in London and the second one in Rome. The main issues discussed during the meeting included practical co-operation on IUU fishing and other matters, the ecosystem approach to fisheries management and integration of fisheries and environmental concerns, scientific advice and management and transparency. Furthermore, a work plan was prepared in order to avoid overlapping with the meetings of the Commissions. The Secretary emphasised that these meetings of the secretariats of international fishery organisations of the North Atlantic and the adjacent seas have been unique events world-wide, where views and experience were exchanged. Next, Dr. Ranke referred to the co-operation of IBSFC with Baltic 21. He pointed to the fact that IBSFC has been actively participating in the work of the .Baltic 21. Senior Officials Group, where 8 sectors are represented. The activities of IBSFC in Baltic 21 were based on the .Action Programme for Sustainable Development., the definition of .sustainable fishery. and indicators for the Baltic Sea area agreed upon at the Extraordinary Session on Baltic 21 Sector Fisheries in Warsaw on 16-20 February, 1998. Referring to the progress made, he quoted: .Baltic 21 sectors that have made progress in their work are Energy, Fisheries, Industry and Spatial Planning. Sufficient resources and organisational stability during the period have paved the way for the progress.. He also mentioned that the IBSFC Secretariat was actively involved in the elaboration of the proposed New Mandate for Baltic 21. The New Mandate should add some new value and quality to the co-operation within Baltic 21. The Secretary turned to the first meeting of the GEF - Baltic Sea Steering Group, which took place in Helsinki in May 2004. The main task of this meeting was to inform about the present status of the project.
Item 4: Reports of the IBSFC Observers to the meetings of other organisations: - NAFO Annual Meeting, London, 10-14 November 2003 (Russian Federation); - NEAFC 22nd Annual Meeting, London, 10-14 November 2003 (Poland); - NASCO 21st Meeting, Reykjavik, 7-11 June 2004 and NASCO Workshop on the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris, Oslo, 11-12 February 2004 (IBSFC Secretary); - HELCOM Annual Meeting, Helsinki, 2-4 March 2004 (EC-Finland); - 11th Meeting of the Advisory Committee of ASCOBANS, Jastrzębia Góra, Poland, 27-29 April 2004 (EC-Denmark)
Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretary of the Commission remarked that there was no need to discuss all the meetings in detail as reports on the meetings were available (Doc. 30/S/2004/9) however, he focused on the NASCO 21st Meeting and Workshop which he personally attended as an IBSFC Observer. He referred to Gyrodactylus salaris . a parasite which strikes at the very heart of salmon conservation in the North-east Atlantic. He reported on the good news concerning the Baltic Sea and stated that the Baltic salmon seems to be more resistant to the parasite than the salmon in the North-east Atlantic. He referred to the fact that a negative effect of this parasite has been detected in only one river in Sweden. He underlined the positive trend in the restoration of the Baltic wild salmon.
Mr. Markku Aro (EC . Finland), IBSFC Observer to the 25th Meeting of HELCOM, presented its report (Doc. 30S/2004/9).
The Russian Delegation referred to the 25th NAFO Annual Meeting, held in Nova Scotia, attended by 183 delegates from 16 Contracting Parties. It noted that the main tasks of the meeting included the reform of some conservation measures. (Doc. 30/S/2004/9)
Item 5: Control and Enforcement: - Report of the BACOMA seminar, Rostock/Germany, 18-19 February 2004; - Implementation of Resolution XXVI on the improvement of control and enforcement of unreported catches in the Baltic Sea.
Mr. Brendan O.Shea, Chairman of the Working Group on Control and Enforcement presented the conclusions of the BACOMA seminar, which took place between 18-19 February, 2004 in Rostock, Germany. He informed the Delegates that the two-day seminar was attended by representatives of all coastal states and chaired by Dr. Cornelius Hammer (EC- Germany) and himself. The purpose of the meeting was to clarify the inspection procedures. The participants of the meeting had an opportunity to visit a net manufacturer where potential difficulties were demonstrated. The group discussed and developed the inspection methodology and identified some weakness to be further addressed, such as for example the repair of the BACOMA window. He noted that the measures to be applied are highlighted in the report.
The Chairman of the Commission pointed out that the issues discussed at the seminar were of utmost importance for all Delegations. He therefore proposed to organise a meeting of the Working Group on Control and Enforcement within the framework of the present Session.
The EC Delegation congratulated their colleagues who organised and conducted the seminar on their excellent work and called for further actions to make use of the related benefits. Referring to Resolution XXVI adopted at the 29th Session of the Commission, the Delegation stated that in its opinion the Working Group on Control and Enforcement should further exchange the views during the present Session, to make progress in working out effective inspection methodology. It underlined that control issues were extremely important for all the Contracting Parties in order to make use of the resources in rational way.
The Russian Delegation congratulated the Chairman of the Working Group on Control and Enforcement on good results of the seminar and supported the idea to continue the discussion in the framework of the Group during the Session.
The Polish Delegation joined in the congratulations on the Seminar and referred to Resolution XXVI adopted last year. The Delegation emphasised that Poland had achieved progress in control by introducing the VMS fishery monitoring system, based in the Sea Fisheries Institute as well as a fully computerised system of data collection.
The Lithuania Delegation also congratulated the Working Group on Control and Enforcement on the outcome of the seminar. Referring to the information given by ICES that still 40% of Cod catches in the Baltic were unreported, it underlined that the main task of the Group is now to limit the unreported catches to zero. The Delegation noted that for scientific and control purposes it was necessary to provide full information on catches.
Item 6: Report of ICES on the state of resources and recommended TAC options for 2005.
Mr. Hans Lassen, the ICES Observer, proceeded to deliver a summary of the ICES advice regarding the Baltic Sea for 2005. (Doc. 30/S/04/5). He stated that ICES received a request from IBSFC for standard advice on cod, herring, sprat and salmon as well as a number of special requests. Mr. H. Lassen informed the Delegates about some changes in the advice format, which concerned changes in the phraseology: .outside safe biological limits. has been replaced by .reduced reproductive potential.; .harvested outside safe biological limits. has been replaced by .harvested unsustainably. and the fact that advice was given for all stocks together in an overview. He also pointed to the need to move to an exploratory model based on dialogue and evaluation of options, which requires presenting advice as a wider range of options with implications and sharing responsibility for handling uncertainties. Next, the ICES Observer moved to the advice on cod stocks. The cod stock in sub-divisions 22-24 is at risk of suffering reduced reproductive capacity, the fishing mortality of 1.2 is above the target of 1.0 agreed by IBSFC, and the spawning biomass in 2005 is below the Bpa. According to the advice of ICES the management plan for this cod stock should provide for a reduction in F corresponding to landings of 24,700 tonnes. Following the precautionary approach, in order to achieve Bpa in 2006 F should be below 0.92 in 2005, which corresponds to landings of less than 23,400 tonnes. Regarding the cod stock in sub-divisions 25-29 +32, the ICES Observer pointed to the problem of misreporting in 2000-2003, substantial discarding and uncertain assessment. The SSB in 2004 was below Blim although the values of SSB and F could not be estimated precisely, the stock status was basically unchanged compared to the 2003 assessment, the stock suffered reduced spawning capacity and the recent recruitment was poor. In order to rebuild the cod stock in this sub-division within one year, the catches in 2005 would have to equal zero. According to the evaluation of the cod management plan, the TACs had not been effective in achieving objectives in the past, if the current practices continue no management plan based solely on TACs would be effective and hence, the management plan would not be in accordance with the precautionary approach. Therefore, the implementation of TACs requires supplementary measures such as effort measures to ensure that the resulting fishing mortality be in accordance with the regulations. Regarding the special request concerning hook parameters corresponding to the minimum landing size of 38 cm, no selectivity data used for determining the appropriate hook size is available, so ICES is not in the position to recommend a specific hook size and shape corresponding to the minimum landing size of 38 cm for the Baltic cod. Next the ICES Observer discussed the pelagic stocks. Herring was assessed in five assessment units. The herring stock in sub-divisions 22-24 and Division IIIa was mixing with the North Sea herring in Division IIIa, but the stock status was unknown due to undetermined reference points, the spawning stock was stable or slightly increasing in recent years and the fishing mortality (0.38) was close to the maximum value (0.41). According to ICES advice, the catches in 2005 should be less than 92,000 tonnes and the SSB and F should not be allowed to increase. In the case of the Central Baltic herring (excluding Gulf of Riga) the spawning biomass has increased from historic low level in recent years, the fishing mortality was at or above Fpa and the herring was at risk of being harvested outside safe biological limits. ICES advices to reduce the fishing mortality to below Fpa of 0.19 and limit the catch in 2005 to below 130,000 t. It also emphasises the need to expand sampling for species within fisheries in order to obtain the best available data on species composition in mixed pelagic landings. The Gulf of Riga herring stock has full reproductive capacity, the recruitment has been high since 1990 and the mortality has been below Fpa in most years since 1989. ICES recommends to keep the fishing mortality below the present value corresponding to less than 35,300 t in 2005, which in terms of catches represents 38,200 tonnes. The herring stocks in sub-division 30 (Bothnian Sea) maintained full reproductive capacity and were harvested at sustainable level, the spawning stock was above Bpa, F had been below Fpa since 2001 and the 1997, 2001 and 2002 year classes were well above average. Hence ICES recommends to keep the fishing mortality below Fpa of 0.21 which corresponds to a catch of less than 60,200 t in 2005. The status of the herring in sub-division 31 was unknown, the current assessment is uncertain, but indicate that spawning stock biomass approximating the long-term average, had increased from a very low level due to the 1999 and possibly 2001 year classes. According to ICES advice, the catches should not be allowed to increase above the recent levels, corresponding to catches less than 3,500 t in 2005. The sprat stock in sub-division 22-32 is characterised by two consecutive strong year classes (2002 and 2003), it maintains a reproductive capacity and is harvested sustainably. ICES recommends to maintain the fishing mortality below Fpa of 0.40, corresponding to catches less than 614,000 t in 2005 and to restrict the fishery so that herring catches in 25-29 + 30 (excluding Gulf of Riga) are less than 130,000 t. Regarding the special request on the appropriateness of mesh sizes allowed in herring trawls (rule 10), in the absence of more reliable estimates of escape mortality, ICES recommends that a .precautionary approach. should be adopted in the use of selective gears as a conservation tool and the use of selective devices should be maintained and the current rule should be maintained. Prior to presenting the assessment of salmon stocks, the ICES Observer recalled the IBSFC objective to increase the natural production of wild Baltic salmon to at least 50% of the natural production capacity of each river by 2010, while retaining the catch level as high as possible. Next, he moved to discussing salmon in sub-division 24-31 where in areas 1,2 and 4 the stocks generally have met target or are expected to meet target if present fishing level continues, however, in area 2 some stocks have not shown improvement and in area 3 R. Ljungan is unlikely to reach the target. Although the relation between exploitation pressure and later smolt production cannot be calculated, the trends in smolt production, spawners and exploitation suggest that continuation of current exploitation pressure will not impair possibilities for reaching management objective for stronger stocks. According to the ICES advice fishery can be continued at current exploitation levels, however, exploitation close to river mouths and in rivers should be closely monitored and kept sufficiently low to allow number of spawning fish to increase. Although ICES has over the years advised maintaining constant TAC until obtaining evidence of improved smolt production, now the evidence is there for some but not all the rivers. Nevertheless, in order to protect the weaker stocks exploitation should be coupled with effective measures. In the Gulf of Finland the wild stocks are in poor condition as the production of smolt in 2003 was lower than in 2002. The reared-wild smolt production ratio is 30:1 and the parr densities are very low. ICES recommends that fisheries should only be permitted at sites where there is virtually no chance of taking wild salmon. Furthermore, national conservation programmes to protect wild salmon need to be enforced urgently. He noted , however, that the poor condition of these stocks is not only due to fishery but also to other, still uncertain factors. He further referred to the special request on the revised estimate of smolt production potential in wild salmon rivers and concluded that the old estimates of the potential smolt production seem to be too low at least for some rivers. He noted, however, that estimation is not yet fully satisfactory and cannot be considered as final. Therefore, ICES will continue to develop these estimates in the current years.
The Lithuanian Delegation asked the ICES Observer to give a percentage of undersized cod in the catches in the western and eastern Baltic.
The ICES Observer replied that he was not in the position to give figures on the catches of undersized cod.
The EC Delegation expressed its concern with the new terminology used by ICES in its advice which, in its view, could lead to misunderstandings. It noted that changes in terminology should first be discussed with the client commission. It also pointed to the inconsistency in the use of terminology.
The ICES Observer reminded the Delegates that the introduction of some new terminology into the advice was discussed with all clients of ICES in April 2004 and ICES presented a paper explaining the reason behind the changes of terminology. He further apologised for some inconsistency found in the advice for 2005.
The EC Delegation further asked questions related to the quality of the assessment. It asked the ICES Observer to explain the reason for not including the discard data together with the data on landings. It further asked the Observer to comment whether the problem of misreporting relates to the eastern and western cod stock or whether this is only an issue for the eastern stock? Referring to the request for more transparency and openness related to misreporting asked for by the Commission last year, it asked for more detailed information on this matter. It further requested explanation on the lack of precise estimates of the composition of mixed pelagic fisheries. It asked also to comment on the comments on an adaptive approach to management mentioned in the presentation.
The ICES Observer replied to the questions put forward by the EC Delegation. He stated that the precise data on discards by country are not available but the assessment includes an overall estimate of discards for the total fishery. He further noted that the misreporting concerns the eastern cod stock and ICES does not dispose of any reports on illegal fishery on the western cod stock. Referring to the transparency in the ACFM report on the issue of unreported catches, he underlined that ICES is trying to live up to usual scientific standards and is doing its best to be as transparent as possible. However, in the case of unreported landings it was a problem to reveal detail of sources as these then may dry out. Referring to the issue of the composition of mixed pelagic fisheries, he indicated that the assessment is largely based on the data from official landings and higher bias has been noted with reference to herring. Referring to the evaluation of adaptive Management Plan, he noted that the issue will further be explained by ICES next year.
The Russian Delegation congratulated the ICES Observer on the report and asked to explain the reason for not revising the reference points for cod, established in 1998, despite the changes which have occurred to the stock since then. It further noted that in the advice for the eastern cod stock, ICES has not taken into account the improved selectivity of new gears used in cod fishery.
The ICES Observer indicated that no signs of the changes in recruitment pattern have been observed in the last 10-15 years, which suggest that the relationship between the stock size and the recruitment has remained unchanged and hence that the reference point would still remain valid. Referring to the selectivity of new gears, he stated that ICES was not in a position to estimate any effects of the improved selectivity of new gears.
The EC Delegation asked the ICES Observer to explain the difference between the reliability of relative estimate and definite estimate. It further asked on the possible improvement of the quality of the assessment with relation to cod.
The ICES Observer noted that unreported catches are not the only uncertain element in the assessment of cod stocks. He noted however that uncertainty in the assessment is being taken into account in the evaluation of the present state of the stocks and also in the evaluation of the Cod Management Plan. He stated that ICES is trying to improve its advice significantly but is dependent on the delivered data.
The Plenary decided to form a group of scientists to prepare the request to ICES for scientific advice to the 31st Session of IBSFC, under the chairmanship of Dr. Valeri Feldman from the Russian Delegation.
Second Plenary
The Plenary resumed its work on September 10, 2004 at 14:30 hours under the Chairmanship of Mr. V. Osadtchy. The Delegations from all Contracting Parties as well as Observers from FAO, Baltic 21, NEAFC and CCB were present.
The EC Delegation presented the minutes of the meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Control and Enforcement, 7 September 2004. (Annex to this report) The EC Delegation presented a draft Resolution on further improvement of control and enforcement: Against the background of the persistent difficulties of unreported catches of cod in the Baltic Sea, which give rise to serious concerns, the Contracting Parties are determined to take further steps to improve control and enforcement, in line with the objectives set out in IBSFC Resolution XXVI. The Contracting Parties commit themselves to developing by the 1st of January 2005, comprehensive and efficient control and enforcement measures to address the elimination of unrecorded landings of cod and the improvement of catch reporting. Such measures shall encompass, inter alia, the following:
The Russian Delegation and the Latvian Delegation congratulated the Chairman of the Working Group on Control and Enforcement and the Group for the hard work and expressed hope that the same efforts would be visible in the control at sea and in the ports.
Item 25: Request to ICES for scientific advice to the 31st Session.
Mr. Valeri Feldman from the Russian Delegation, chairman of the scientific group responsible for preparing the request to ICES for scientific advice, stated that the group worked under the restriction to formulate requests which would be regarded as standard advice from ICES for the year 2006. He pointed out that some of the issues have been discussed with Mr. Lassen from ICES. He drew the Delegates. attention to special requests number 7 and 8. In the first one the Commission asks for advice where hydrological conditions allow for a successful cod spawning in 2005 if preliminary information indicates a possibility of improvement in spawning conditions. He mentioned that this request, expressed differently (referring to the closure of the Gotland Deep) was already presented at the previous session. The other request referred to information on the development of fishing practices for salmon in the Gulf of Finland and assessment of the consequences of such development on catches of wild and reared salmon.
The EC Delegation noted that the wording from last year.s advice should be applied to pt. 7 - the request to advise where hydrological conditions allow a successful cod spawning, as it included a deadline for presenting the advice, necessary in case the Commission decides on the closure of fishery in the spawning grounds.
The Polish Delegation supported the proposal of the EC Delegation saying that the deadline for submitting the advice is a crucial element permitting, if advised, the introduction of regulatory measures.
The Russian Delegation voiced no objection to changes in the wording of the request.
The Plenary adopted the request from the Commission to ICES for scientific advice to its Thirty First Session.
The Plenary decided to adopt the "Resolution XXX on the quality of the ICES advice on eastern cod: The Contracting Parties acknowledge that the state of the eastern cod stock is a major concern that continues to require determined action based on scientific advice. In this context, the Parties express their great concern over the high level of uncertainty in the advice provided by ICES, which gives rise to severe difficulties in the management of this stock, which is of great importance for all Parties. The advice on the eastern cod submitted to the IBSFC for its 30th Session has not provided the Parties with a clear basis for action, which is very unfortunate. Against this background, the Contracting Parties request that the Chairman of the IBSFC sends a letter to ICES, underlining the importance for the work in IBSFC of receiving high quality scientific advice, expressing the Commission.s commitment to co-operate with ICES to enhance the quality of the scientific advice on the cod stocks and in this context requesting ICES to give priority to the Baltic cod. The Parties further agree to recommend their national scientific bodies that research on Baltic cod be enhanced."
Item 26: Representation of the Commission at joint meetings with other international organisations in an observer capacity in meetings in 2004/2005.
The Plenary decided that the Commission will be represented at the Annual Meeting of NAFO in 2004 by a member of the Russian Delegation.
The Plenary decided that the Commission will be represented at the Annual Meeting of NEAFC in November 2004 by a member of the Polish Delegation.
The Plenary decided that the Commission will be represented at the Annual Meeting of HELCOM in 2005 by a member of the EC Delegation ( Finland).
The Plenary decided that the Commission will be represented at the Annual Meeting of NASCO in June 2005 by the Chairman of the Salmon Action Plan Surveillance Group.
The Plenary decided that the Commission will be represented at the meeting of the Annual Meeting of Secretaries in March 2005 by Dr. Walter Ranke, Secretary of the Commission.
Item 27: Time and place of the next Session.
The Plenary decided to hold the 31st Annual Session of IBSFC from 5-10 September, 2005 in Sweden.
Item 28: Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Measures.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee, Mr. Algirdas Rusakevicius introduced the Report of the Standing Committee. He noted that the Committee established TACs for herring, sprat and salmon for 2005 and was not in a position to reach agreement on the 2005 cod TAC. The Committee decided to return to the cod TAC at the plenary meeting.
The Chairman of the Commission opened the discussion on the Cod TAC for 2005.
The Russian Delegation made the following statement: The EC Delegation, basing on the ICES recommendations, insists on zero TAC for cod in sub-divisions 25-32. The Russian Delegation considers that other options of fishery removal (TAC) are available which allow significant reduction in fishing mortality and increase of spawning biomass at least in the framework of IBSFC Management Plan. Thus, as show the results of short-term prediction carried out in relative values applying a highly precautionary approach at TAC = 40, 000 t, fishing mortality in 2005 will constitute 47% of the level in 2004, i.e., it is within the limits of the Management Plan (<0.6). At the same time the spawning biomass will increase by 35% in 2006 as compared to 2005. Such removal rate is in compliance with .the best possible. level provided in the Management Plan, if we consider both technical and social aspects of fishery. As regards the technical interactions of fisheries, the argument that the total cease of cod fishery is possible without any losses to other fisheries, does not correspond to the actual situation in the Russian economic zone since the proportion of flounder in the trawl fishery for cod in this area varies from 35 to 63%. In the opinion of the Russian Delegation the state of the eastern cod is not more dangerous than in 1992, 1999 and 2002, and taking into account recruitment increase during the latest years the current situation is even more favourable. Therefore, TAC for cod in 2005 with fishing mortality at the level fixed in IBSFC Management Plan (Fpa=1.0) in sub-divisions 22-24 and reduction of the fishing mortality by 50% (to the level of Fpa < 0.6) in sub-divisions 25-32 could amount to 70, 000 t in total, including 25, 000 t in sub-division 22-24 and 45, 000 t in sub-divisions 25-32. The Russian Delegation stands for more gradual reduction of the fishing mortality assuming more long-term period of cod stock recovery (5 to 6 years) to the level fixed in the Management Plan. Taking into consideration social-economic consequences of the eastern cod fishery ban to all countries, the Russian Delegation hopes for support and understanding.
The EC Delegation appealed to all Delegations to reach consensus on the issue of utmost importance . the TAC for cod. It therefore asked to agree to the EC proposal submitted to the Committee on Regulatory Measures on the TAC for the western cod stock at the level of 24,700 tonnes.
The Estonian and Lithuanian Delegations supported the EC proposal .
The Polish Delegation turned the attention to the footnote in the EC proposal: .Due to the uncertain scientific advice the Parties were not in a position to fix a TAC for the eastern cod stock for 2005. The Parties however agreed to limit their respective fisheries on both stocks in 2005 to levels below the allocations agreed for 2004, i.e. 71,250 tonnes for the European Community and 3,750 tonnes for the Russian Federation.. It underlined that this statement explains the situation and declared its readiness to accept the EC proposal.
The Latvian Delegation supported the EC proposal. It noted however that it was not satisfied that consensus could not be reached at the present Session as regards one of the most important issues on the agenda. It stated that it looked forward to the commitment of Russian Federation and EC to solve the problem of the TAC for the eastern cod stock on bilateral basis.
The Russian Delegation thanked all the Contracting Parties for co-operation and stated there is still a long way to compromise. It emphasised that it was not happy with the result.
The Plenary decided that the Report of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Measures will be adopted by correspondence.
Item 29: Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Administration.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance and Administration, Mr. Markku Aro presented an oral report on the work of the Committee and the conclusions to be adopted by the Plenary noting that the Committee examined the financial statements and auditor.s certificate very closely and all matters were conducted in a proper manner. He also mentioned that as of 30 June, 2004 contributions from 2 Contracting Parties were outstanding, however, soon after that date Lithuania effected its payment and Russia assured to make its payment by the end of the year. He noted that the EC Delegation expressed its concern that the budget set out at stable level which reflected the wishes of the Contracting Parties communicated to the IBSFC Secretariat in previous years, may not be sufficient to cover the normal expenditures in 2005, nevertheless the EC Delegation acknowledged that the IBSFC would be able to cover any unforeseen expenditures by the use of its General and Working Fund.
The EC Delegation congratulated the Chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee on the Committee.s work and informed the Contracting Parties that EC would be prepared to consider an exceptional payment to the IBSFC in 2005. The amount of this payment should be directly attributed to a contingency fund. This fund will be established in order to cover possible additional financial needs arising from decisions taken by the parties in relation to the future of the organisation.
All Delegations thanked Mr. Markku Aro for the work of the Committee and thanked the EC for their readiness to provide extra funds to IBSFC in 2005.
The Plenary adopted the budget for the year 2005 in the form presented in Doc. 30/S/2004/8.
The Plenary decided to adopt the Report on the Committee on Finance and Administration by correspondence.
Item 30: Appointment of the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Measures.
Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretary of the Commission stated that the term of office of the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory Measures ends with the 30th Session.
The Russian Delegation proposed to re-elect Mr. Algirdas Rusakevicius for the next term.
All the Delegations supported the proposal of the Russian Delegation.
The Plenary decided unanimously to extend the term of office of Mr. Algirdas Rusakevicius, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Regulatory measures for the next term.
Mr. Algirdas Rusakevicius thanked all the Delegates for their confidence and support.
Item 31: Adoption of the Recommendations, Resolutions, Proceedings and Press Release.
The Plenary adopted the following Recommendations (Doc. 30/S/2004/11): ˇ Recommendation Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the TAC for herring ˇ Recommendation No 5 on the TAC for sprat ˇ Recommendation No 6 and 7on the TAC for cod ˇ Recommendation No 8 on the TAC for salmon in the Main Basin and the Gulf of Bothnia ˇ Recommendation No 9 on the TAC for salmon in the Gulf of Finland ˇ Recommendation No 10 on the fishing ban for cod in 2005 ˇ Recommendation No 11 on Article 3 of the IBSFC Rule on inter-annual TAC flexibility
The Plenary adopted the following Resolutions (Doc. 30/S/2004/12): ˇ Resolution No XXVIII on the closure of the Gotland Deep and Gdańsk Deep ˇ Resolution No XXIX on further improvement of control and enforcement ˇ Resolution No XXX on the quality of the ICES advice on eastern cod ˇ Resolution No XXXI on the introduction of trawls using 90o turned diamond meshes
The Plenary adopted the Terms of Reference for the Salmon Action Plan Surveillance Group (Doc. 30/S/2004/10).
The EC Delegation made the following statement: Given that the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea continue to be at or close to a historically low level, the management plan for the stocks should be improved in order to ensure the long-term viability of the fishery through sustainable exploitation of the resource. The European Community will therefore develop, before the 1st of January 2005, a proposal for a revised management plan and a recovery plan for the eastern Baltic cod stock. In this regard the European Community will collaborate closely with the Russian Federation to ensure the success of the management and recovery plan. The recovery plan shall establish targets for the sustainable exploitation of the cod stocks, containing inter alia harvesting rules laying down the manner in which annual catch and/or fishing effort limits are fixed and provides for other specific management measures. Control, inspection and enforcement measures will be reinforced and further clarified in order to ensure the effective implementation of the recovery plan.
Joint statement by the Contracting Parties on eastern cod The Contracting Parties very much regret that despite all the efforts made, it has been impossible to reach an agreement on TACs for the cod stocks, as they were unable to reach an agreement on the eastern cod stock. The Contracting Parties commit themselves to maintaining close contact in order to seek an agreement on this issue.
The EC Delegation took the opportunity to express its gratefulness to the Russian Federation for its very good co-operation.
The Russian Delegation thanked the EC Delegation and expressed his hope that in the future they would jointly reach solutions to all issues.
The Plenary adopted the Press Release (Doc. 30/S/2004/13)
Item 32: Other matters.
The Plenary did not discuss other matters.
Item 33: Adjournment The Chairman of the Commission emphasised that all the Contracting Parties had to work hard during this Session. He wished to stress that all discussions were carried out in a fruitful and co-operative spirit and that this gave the Commission an opportunity to search for better solutions to problems ahead of it. He said that the Commission should use all possibilities to continue its work. He pointed out that as long as there is no new mechanism for regulating the Baltic fishery, the present system should not be destroyed. He thanked Dr. Walter Ranke, the Secretariat and all the Delegates and hoped to maintain close contacts and co-operate on the preparation of the next session.
The EC Delegation thanked the Chairman, the Secretariat, the Secretary, the Sea Fisheries Institute - the host, for their hard work and for very good facilities. It expressed special thanks to Steve Karnicki and hoped to see everyone next year in Sweden.
The Lithuanian Delegation thanked all the Contracting Parties for a very interesting session and hoped that it was not lost time.
The Russian Delegation thanked the Polish government for very good organisation and hoped to see everyone next year.
The Latvian Delegation thanked the Polish government for creating such a great atmosphere.
The Estonian Delegation thanked everyone involved in the organisation of the Annual Session.
The Polish Delegation thanked the Chairman for his leadership, the Delegations for their work and all the staff for working together on friendly terms.
The Chairman adjourned the Plenary at 16:00.
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