EUROPA

SUMMARY

The STECF is a standing committee created by the Commission to help it implement the CFP.

Composition

It is composed of between 30 and 35 prominent scientific experts in the fields of marine biology and ecology, fisheries science and the economic, statistical and research issues associated with fisheries. They are appointed by the Commission from a list of suitable candidates compiled after the publication of an open call for applications on the Commission website. A list of the STECF’s current members is published in the OJ. They are appointed for three years, renewable on a rolling basis.

After consultation with the competent service of the Commission, the committee can create its own working parties on specific issues.

The meetings of the committee and its working parties may be attended by Commission representatives and external experts.

Operation

The meetings of the STECF and its working parties are convened by the Commission and must be approved by it. The Commission consults the STECF at regular intervals, or whenever it considers necessary, on issues related to conservation and management of living aquatic resources. It takes account of the committee’s opinion when making proposals on fisheries management. The STECF can also deliver opinions on fisheries matters to the Commission on its own initiative.

Every year the STECF produces a report on the state of fish stocks and trends in the fisheries industry, highlighting the economic implications of the state of fish stocks. It also makes an annual progress report on the work done to coordinate scientific, technical and economic research in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The STECF adopts its internal rules after consultation with the competent service of the Commission. They require the STECF to be guided by the principles of excellence, independence and transparency, while observing confidentiality in tax and commercial matters. These rules are published on the Commission website.