Fisheries Group

North Sea Commission Fisheries Group Meeting in Haarlem 23rd January 2004

MINUTE

Present:
Harry Jensen - HJ  - Chairman
Sandy Cluness - SC - Vice-chairman
Ann Bell - AB
Doug Beverage - DB
Jorgen Jorgensen about - JJ
Karsten Baekgaard - KB
Fritz - FZ
Lena Sonderhien LS

Apologies:
Andrew Stephen
Shona Croy
George Hamilton/Dafydd Morris
Douglas Scott
Ake Linden

1. Minute of previous meeting - approved

2. Tjarno conference report is still not complete, AB circulated papers from Magnus Johnston, who had explained that the papers had been sent out for peer consultation.

The Chairman noted his disappointment that the report was not complete and asked that report be complete before the NSC Executive committee at the end of March.  AB to make contact with Magnus regarding the complete of the report.

3. The importance of inshore fisheries to rural communities was again highlighted and the necessity for local management thought to be of paramount importance.

4. Sandy Cluness informed the group about the shellfish management system they have in place in Shetland.  They have control of all shellfish management issues within the  6 mile limit.  They are presently trying to get approval for management up to the 12 mile limit.  SC agreed to circulate the management papers to the group, for their information.

5. Doug Beveridge mentioned the English Seafisheries Committees and their management role.

6. Future Conference - What is happening in the North Sea - pollution from land to sea.

Tommy Mostrup - Ringkobjing  Amt gave a presentation to the joint NSCFG/NSCEG on 22 January, regarding pollution in the North Sea. The aim of the presentation was to highlight the need for ensuring that the environment of the North Sea was kept high on the political agenda. He suggested that the NSCFG and NSCEG could host a conference which look at a number of environmental issues, which could have serious implications on the North Sea ecosystem. (presentation attached)  It was agreed that it would be discussed the next day at both the NSCFG and NSCEG meetings.

7. The group discussed Tommy's presentation and looked at
"Why" should we have such a conference
"What" would be the benefits and the outcomes
 "When" should we have it and
 "Who" should be involved.                         

7. We looked at why it is important to have a clean North Sea - for the benefit of  coastal communities and the marine environment.  Some of the issues suggested were
- Political status of North Sea environment
- Ecological Status of North Sea
- Changes in the ecosystem
- Fish stocks
- Coastal communities

8. Tommy Mostrup and Jorgen Jorgensen to draft a suggested conference plan, which will be then circulated, to NSCFG and NSCEG for further discussion by e mail. AB and DB to highlight the possibility  of the conference at the NSCFP meeting in the Hague on   5 February.

9. AB notified the group about the Women in Fisheries funding and the forthcoming conference. HJ as identified a person in his region who will help with conference, LS also said she would identify some people in Norway who would be interested.  It was agreed, after much discussion that the conference could highlight socio economic issues within coastal and rural communities and demonstrate the need for education and training to develop existing skills among women.

10. AB gave an update on the NSCFP and the progress of the North Sea RAC proposal. Information on both, available on www.northsea.org.

11. A proposed Action Plan for 2004/2005 was discussed and drawn up. It was agreed that AB would send out the proposed Action Plan and suggested dates and venues for the next two meetings.  (attached)

HJ and SC thanked the Province of Noord Holland for their exceptional hospitality and Fritz for making all the excellent arrangements. They also welcomed the inclusion of  Doug Beveridge, NFFO in the work of the NSCFG.,