North Sea Commission, Marine Resources Group,
Terms of Reference
Who we are
The Marine Resources Group is one of the thematic groups of the North Sea Commission (hereafter referred to as NSC). The previous North Sea Commission Fisheries Group was founded in Aberdeen on 30 August 1993 by Grampian, Shetland and Sogn og Fjordane Regional Councils. The concept of a Fisheries Group existed since Humberside (1991) NSC General Assembly with the aim to further partnerships and experiences in fisheries. At a meeting of the Fisheries Group on 19 November 1993 (Aberdeen) the aim and objectives were confirmed, key fisheries interests explored and a work programme established for 1994.
Every member region of the NSC may appoint members to the group. A Chair appointed by the Executive Committee of the NSC chairs the Group. The Executive also appoints two Vice-Chairs. The Chair of the Group is an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee, with the two Vice-Chairs acting as substitutes.
The work of the group is co-ordinated by an Advisor appointed by the Executive Committee of the NSC and supported by :
Project co-ordinator- Aquaculture and renewable energy specialist
- Liason person (between groups) Web-page editor
This will help ensure active participation and responsibilty for more group members.
Observers representing scientific, political (both national and EU) organisations and institutions etc. may attend the meetings of the group.
How we work
The group s work is based on a strategic document, renewed and updated from time to time. Every year, the group produces an operational action plan, which is sent to the Executive
Committee and the General Assembly of the NSC for approval.
The group normally has 2 meetings per year. The Chair and the Vice-Chairs have divided amongst them the political responsibility for specific issues on the annual action plan, and the members of the group take on responsibility for a limited number of issues, assisting the Chair and Vice-Chairs and the Advisor.
The Advisor, in close liaison with the Chair and Vice-Chairs, and in consultation with, Project co ordinator, Aquaculture and renewable energy specialist, Liason person and all members, set the agenda for the meetings. Papers for the meetings are prepared by members, and by the Advisor.
The first meeting of the year normally discusses the action plan for the coming period. The second meeting normally prepares for the General Assembly of the NSC.
Our Aim
As Fishing is one of the most important traditional industries around the North Sea and is vital to the local economies, the North Sea Commission Fisheries Group main aim is to :
Maximise the quality of life in Coastal Regions this may be achieved by:
Sustain the socio economies of fishing dependent communities- To ensure the maintenace of a north sea fishery for future generations.
Promote areas of possible diversification and opportunities for development within the fishing industry and dependent communities- Support the fishing communities in collective and unified representation
- Work within an EU framework to achieve economic and bio-sustainable fishing policies Encourage added value to be carried out locally, enhancing the economic development and sustainability of the local communities
Develop a framework for transnational co-operation between fishing dependent areas Provide a forum where industry, public sector and all other relevant parties can meet to discuss areas of concern and share best practice- Work with Partners at locally, nationally and internationally to create a level playing field in fisheries management.
Supporting the fishing industry aquaculture, catching sector (inshore and offshore) and onshore sector.- Ensure the process for closed and proteced areas includes all stakeholder
Our fields of responsibility and interest
As the North Sea Commission s thematic group for Marine Resources and Fisheries our group is responsible for assisting the Executive Committee in matters relating to Marine resources and Fisheries and dependent communities.
Our work includes Key Issues :
- Coastal zone management
- Fisheries strategies
- Fisheries policies
- Economic dependence
- Aquaculture
- Selectivity of fishing gear
- Quality assurance including eco-labelling
- Coastal fisheries
- Working in partnership with other users of the North Sea. Development of Science Fisheries Partnerships
- Continue to support NSRAC Inshore Fisheries Network Safety at Sea
The group will also be asked to give input relating to its area of competence on whatever issue the Executive is working on.
What we do
The Group work through
- Informal contact (e-mail, telephone conferences) N. Formal meetings
- Informal meetings of smaller (ad hoc) groups preparing specific issues
- Lobbying activity, where Political Spokespersons meet for lobbying and fact-finding missions in Brussels and elsewhere where and when needed
The Group may also arrange conferences and seminars, both on its own and in co-operation with other thematic groups and/or other organisations. The group also seeks to work closely with the other thematic groups of the NSC, and is also striving to have good working relations with other geographic commissions of the CPMR and with other European organisations working with Fisheries Isuues.
The Group work with a number of different issues, reflecting the scope of its name.
The Group is primarily concerned with the role that marine resources and Fisheries play in place-based sustainable regional and economic development of fishing dependent communities
The Group is also encouraging co-operation between member regions of the NSC in these areas.
The areas of interest include (but do not exclude other issues):
- Marine Resources and Fisheries policies and programmes of the European Union (and its individual member states and of Norway where relating to North Sea co- operation)
- Fisheries policies and programmes of the European Union
- Other programmes and initiatives of the European Union where Marine Resources and Fisheries are involved
- Co-operation and exchange between the member regions of the NSC
- Ensure fisheries is highlighted within EU Maritime Policy
Links to other thematic groups
The Marine Resources Group is linking into the work of other thematic groups on several issues. Good co-operation and division of work should be established between the groups to achieve best results.
Areas of overlapping interests include
Culture & Tourism Group: The role of culture, identity and heritage in developing good coastal communities and in developing sustainable coastal tourism
Innovation and Education group: The role of education and training for those people who may wish to pursue a career in the Maritime and Fisheries sectors.
Sustainable development group: The development of sustainable fishing communities and fisheries sector.
Transport group: Sustainable transport of marine resources. ports sustainble efficient fuels
