Conservation of fishery resources: 15 years rebuilding plan for Greenland halibut in the waters of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation NAFO

PURPOSE : to lay down the general rules and conditions for the application by the Community of a recovery plan for the Greenland halibut stock.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 2115/2005/EC establishing a recovery plan for Greenland halibut in the framework of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation.

CONTENT : Following the adoption by NAFO of a 15- year rebuilding plan for Greenland halibut, the Council unanimously adopted a Regulation establishing a rebuilding plan for Greenland halibut in the framework of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation. 

The aim of the Regulation is to implement a recovery plan for the Greenland halibut stock in NAFO Sub-area 2 (east of the meridian of 64°30' west longitude in the area of

Hudson Strait, to the south of Subarea 0, to the south and west of Subarea 1 and to the north of the parallel of 52°15' north latitude) and Divisions 3KLMNO .

The objective of the plan will be to attain a level of exploitable biomass of five years and older of 140 000 tonnes on average allowing a stable yield over the long term in the Greenland halibut fishery. In order to rebuild the stock, the NAFO plan provides for a progressive reduction of the TAC level until 2007 -18 500 tonnes in 2006 and 16 000 tonnes in 2007 - as well as control measures to ensure the effectiveness of that plan. Only vessels fishing with a special fishing permit issued by a flag Member State are allowed to fish in the areas mentioned above. Vessels can only land their fishing quantities in designated ports.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 30/12/2005.

DATE OF APPLICATION : from 01/01/2006.