Ireland - EMFF Operational Programme 2014 – 2020 Selection of Proposed Measures Selection of Proposed Measures in relation to Data Collection and Protection of Marine Ecosystems Paul Connolly and Frank O’ Brien Marine Institute, Galway Stakeholder Consultation Meeting, National Seafood Centre, Clonakilty, Co Cork, Ireland. 20 th May 2014.

Common Fisheries Policy – Highlight Two Key Areas 1. Data Collection Exploitation of living marine resources - restore and maintain populations to produce MSY by 2015 (2020 at the latest); Scientific advice on exploitation of living marine resources requires harmonised, reliable and accurate data; 2. Protection of Marine Ecosystems Need to implement EBFM; Environmental impacts of fisheries need to be limited and unwanted catches should be avoided and reduced as far as possible; CFP should contribute to GES in MSFD and NATURA 2000 conservation measures; Both of these Areas are Key Objectives of CFP and EMFF

(Area 1) A Key Challenge for the Irish Seafood Sector Sustainable fishing - ensuring resources are exploited at levels which can ensure MSY

Meeting the Challenge through Implementation of the CFP Delivering the data to ensure the scientific advice required for sustainable fisheries INSEPARABLE

Data Collection - Proposed Measures 1. Data for scientific advice to ensure sustainable fisheries (meeting our obligations under the DCF); 2. Implementation of the Discard Ban and Regional Management Plans; 3. Capacity Building – Modelling and Statistics; 4. Research Surveys – Platforms to collect additional ecosystem data; 5. Data Availability – Increased Access;

(2) A Key Challenge for the Irish Seafood Sector Protection of Marine Ecosystems

Meeting the Challenge through Implementation of the CFP The CFP - Supporting NATURA 2000 and the MSFD with scientific data and advice;

Protection of Marine Ecosystems – Proposed Measures 1. EBFM need to be implemented; 2. Environmental impacts of fishing should be limited; 3. Unwanted catches avoided/reduced; 4. Natura 2000 e.g. Reef habitat mapping; Monitoring fishing pressure by inshore vessels; 5. MSFD e.g. Survey as platforms of opportunity to collect additional ecosystem data;

In Summary Data Collection 1. Data for scientific advice to ensure sustainable fisheries (meeting our obligations under the DCF); 2. Implementation of the Discard Ban and Regional Management Plans; 3. Capacity Building – Modelling and Statistics; 4. Research Surveys – Platforms to collect additional ecosystem data; 5. Data Availability – Increased Access; Protection of Marine Ecosystems 1. EBFM need to be implemented; 2. Environmental impacts of fishing should be limited; 3. Unwanted catches avoided/reduced; 4. Natura 2000 e.g. Reef habitat mapping; Monitoring fishing pressure by inshore vessels; 5. MSFD e.g. Survey as platforms of opportunity to collect additional ecosystem data; CFP EMFF NATURA 2000 MSFD Food Harvest 2020 IMP MSP Blue Growth