EU FISHERIES POLICY AND THE INTEGRATION OF TURKEY

BLACKSEA CASE

ALPER ABCA

ETCF-EU TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TURKISH CHAMBER EXECUTIVES

EXAM PAPER

Ordu

Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

September, 2009

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EU FISHERIES POLICY AND INTEGRATION OF TURKEY: BLACKSEA CASE

Fisheries and aquaculture have a significant economic role in EU. Especially in the

coastal regions, it produces considerable effect on employment. Fisheries policy in EU dealed

with agriculture policy and seen as a part of agriculture policy. But however much these 2

polices are based on a common legal basis, they have different circumstances. Whilst there

may be agricultural production surplus in contrast fisheries has always limited resources. Due

to this, occured a need of providing sustainable fishery and through other factors, common

fisheries policy was formed.

EU Common Fisheries Policy- Legal Basis, Background and The Evolution

The EC Treaty placed fisheries policy and the Common Agricultural Policy in the same

basket and defined in Article 32 that ‘Agricultural products’ means the products of the soil, of

stockfarming and of fisheries and products of first-stage processing directly related to these

products. And also Article 33(1) sets out the objectives of common agricultural policy which

also covers fisheries policy:

(a) to increase agricultural productivity by promoting technical progress and by

ensuring the rational development of agricultural production and the optimum

utilisation of the factors of production, in particular labour;

(b) thus to ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, in particular

by increasing the individual earnings of persons engaged in agriculture;

(c) to stabilise markets;

(d) to assure the availability of supplies;

(e) to ensure that supplies reach consumers at reasonable prices.

The first Community legislative act in fisheries was initiated in 1971. The regulation

followed the requirements within the agricultural tradition by the founding of a common

organisation of the market in fishery products that supported prices and protected and

conformed to the Community market. Moreover, a Community structural policy was set up

that aimed to coordinate the structural policies of the Member States. Third, and most

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important, the principle of equal access was stated in Article 2(1) of the structural regulation

2141/701:

‘Rules applied by each Member State in respect of fishing in the maritime waters

coming under its sovereignty or within its jurisdiction shall not lead to differences in

treatment of other Member States. Member States shall ensure in particular equal conditions

of access to and use of the fishing grounds situated in the waters referred to in the preceding

subparagraph for all fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State and registered in

Community territory.’ It means every member country has equal access to community fishing zones, to say

more explicit, vessels from one member states have the right to fish inside the territorial

waters of any of the other member states. But there was also reserved a coastal strip for the

local fishermen.

In 1976 exlusive coastal fishing zones were extended from 12 up to 200 miles zone.

(22.2 km to 370.4 km) at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. By the

adoption of 200 miles exclusive economic zones, would have to make reciprocal negotiations

to get access to the distant waters. Therefore the Member States in 1976 agreed on acting in

unity in their negotiation of fishery with non-EC members.

Along with these structural attempts, the marketing regulation established the Common

Organization of Market (COM) as the element of CFP, which also regulates supply in relation

to demand on the Community market for fisheries products. In 1977, the functions of the

COM were further extended to regulate trade relations with the third countries, which

particularly give reference to fish products to be exported to EU member states. When viewed

from an economic and socio-political perspective COMs were expected to balance the needs

of EU fisheries market and the interests of fishermen within the Community. These functions

necessitated that the Community should modernize the vessels, construct new ones, develop

fish farming, adjust catching capacity, improve processing and marketing through cooperative

agreements.2

In 1983, a comprehensive common fisheries policy was founded. Common fisheries

policy established conservation policy and in order to supplement conservation policy,

structural policy was agreed. To secure the compliance of the conservation policy, the

Community implemented a control policy. Conservatory management measures based on total

1 Jensen, Carsten Lynge, A Critical Review of the Common Fisheries Policy, p. 17 2 CAKABEY, Anil, Common Fisheries Policy of The European Union and Turkey’s Adaptation Process, Master’s Dissertation, Marmara Üniversity, Institue of European Community, 2005, p. 17

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allowable catches (TACs)3 and quotas on a species-by-species4 basis and minimum net sizes.

With all these developments Community aimed preserving fish stocks, protecting the marine

environment, ensuring economic viability of European fleets and providing to consumers

quality food. The 1983 system was designed to operate for two 10-year periods until 2002.

In 1992 a regulation ((EEC) No 3760/92) was implemented. By this regulation

community aimed to prevent imbalance between fleet capacity and catch potential. For this,

adopted reducing community fleet. Fishing effort5 concept was introduced. A licensing

system implemented for accessing to resources.

The CFP was reformed in 2002 with a view to ensuring sustainable development of

fishing activities from an environmental, economic and social perspective. The decision-

making process was modified by basing it on scientific opinions and involving it more closely

with the fisheries sector and with nongovernmental organisations within regional advisory

councils (RACs). The 2002 reform also sought to make the policy consistent with European

environment and development policy.6

The main changes made to the CFP in 2002 included:7

- Moving towards a longer-term perspective on fisheries management by introducing

recovery and management plans;

- Increased commitment to ensure the integration of environmental concerns into

fisheries management;

- Increased stakeholder involvement by establishing the Regional Advisory Councils

(RACs);

- A new fleet policy, doing away with compulsory targets for capacity reduction and

replacing them with national ceilings under which Member States are free to choose

how they conduct their fleet policy;

- Introducing fishing effort, such as limiting the days a vessel can operate at sea, as a

fundamental tool in fisheries management, notably in the context of multiannual

recovery plans;

3 Total Allowable Catches(TACs): Fixed maximum quantities of fish that can be caught from a specific stock over a given period of time. 4 Species Quotas: Limit on the number of any particular species of fish that can be caught. 5 The European Union defines fishing effort as fleet capacity (tonnage and engine power) x days at sea (time; t); the formulas are GT x t and kW x t. 6 The Common Fisheries Policy Practical Guide, Provisional Version, Directorate-General For Internal Policies, Policy Department Structural and Cohesion Policies, p. 9 7 Green Paper, Reform of The Common Fisheries Policy, Commission Of The European Communities, Brussels, 2009, p. 5

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- A more selective use of public funds to support the development of the sector by

discontinuing the use of public aid to construct new vessels, by a structural policy

more coherent with CFP objectives and with more emphasis on diversification in

coastal communities;

- New bilateral fisheries agreements aimed at developing partnerships with the third

countries concerned.

However, the objectives agreed in 2002 to achieve sustainable fisheries have not been met overall. The Four Pillars of The Common Fisheries Policy

Common Fisheries Policy

1. Structural Policy

Structural policy in the fisheries sector combines two objectives: Contributing to the aims of the

Common Fisheries Policy while playing its part in strengthening economic and social cohesion. In

other words, it must protect resources and the marine environment to guarantee sustainable fisheries,

while ensuring the economic and social development of fisheries areas.8

Structural policy aims to eliminate excess fishing capacity, establish a modern,

competitive fishing fleet, protect living marine resources and reinforce the socio-economic

development of coastal areas dependent on fishing.

To implement the objectives of structural policy, Community provided financial

assistance. Until end of 2006, Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) was used to

support the fisheries industry. For the period 2007-2013, FIFG replaced The European

Fisheries Fund (EFF). EFF provides assistance in areas such as fleet restructuring, small-scale

fisheries, fishing ports facilities, sustainable aquaculture, and the processing and marketing of

fisheries and aquaculture products. The overall budget allocation for the EFF for the period

2007-2013 is €3.8 billion.

8 http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/structural_policy_overview_en.htm

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2. Common Market Organization

The common organization of the market established a common market for fish products.

İts main aim is to stabilize the fish markets, to secure supplies and to ensure that consumer

prices are not too high.9

COM has been subject to major modifications by way of Council Regulations (EC) No

3796/813 and No 3759/924. The current form laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No

104/2000, is based on four main instruments10:

The establishment and application of common marketing standards: This is an essential

condition for the creation of a single internal market based on uniform commercial

characteristics (designations, quality, prices, etc.). Moreover, Regulation No 104/2000

introduced consumer information provisions (labelling with commercial designation of

species, catch area and production method);

The support for the establishment of Producers Organisations (POs): They are key

players for the implementation of a whole range of instruments designed to stabilise and

regulate markets. This increasingly within an interbranch framework with downstream

operators of the fishery sector;

The setup of a price support system based on intervention mechanisms (withdrawals,

carry over and private storage aid) or compensation mechanisms (e.g. for tuna intended for

the canning industry): These instruments traditionally form the main pillars of COMs.

Intervention mechanisms are also designed to limit the waste of fishery resources;

The introduction of trade measures with third countries: This is required to ensure a

stable and reliable supply to the Community market (showing a significant deficit), in order to

satisfy consumer needs (best value for money) and maintain the competitiveness of the EU

processing industry (cost, availability, quality of raw materials) without disrupting the sale of

Community production.

3. Agreements With Third Countries

A large part of the European fleet relies on access to non-Community fish resources either

in waters under the jurisdiction of third countries with which the European Community has

fisheries agreements, or in international waters. Due to its exclusive competence for fisheries,

the European Union is entitled to enter into international fisheries obligations with third

countries or with other international organisations. Bilateral fisheries agreements between the 9 Conceicao-Heldt, Eugenia, The Common Fisheries Policy in The European Union; A Study in Integrative and Distributive Bargaining, Routledge, London,2004, p. 18 10 Evaluation of the Common Organisation of the Markets in Fishery and Aquaculture Products, Executive Summary, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2008, p. 3

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European Union and third countries establish the general framework for access of Community

fleets to the waters of these countries. 11

The main objectives of international fisheries policy are12:

- To ensure appropriate EU access to the world's main fishing zones and resources

- To enhance bilateral and regional cooperation

- To provide fish supply to European markets and employment

- To contribute to the sustainable development of world fisheries

- To tackle destructive fishing practices

- To improve scientific research and data collection;

- To combat illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing

- To strengthen control and inspections under the regional fisheries organisations

4. Conservation and management policy

The CFP sets maximum quantities of fish that can safely be caught every year. The

Council of Ministers endeavors to use scientific findings to decide on the amount of fish that

EU fishermen will be allowed to catch the following year, taking into account the biological,

economic and social dimension of fishing. This system of quantities is referred to as the total

allowable catches (TACs) which is divided among EU member states to establish national

quotas. A system of technical rules, for example, on net mesh sizes, closed areas, appropriate

fishing gear, and minimum fish sizes is established. Catches and landings must be recorded in

special log books.

In the European Union, 63% of landings involve species subject to TACs. Fish stocks

are managed pursuant to multiannual management plans, in order to enable fishermen to

manage their activities in the long term. Stocks below the biological safety threshold are

subject to multiannual recovery plans. Various action plans have been adopted with a view to

restricting the impact of fishing on sensitive habitats, protecting species not targeted by

fishing, and reducing bycatches and eliminating discards.13

To run efficiently the conservation policy, control and reinforcement systems needed

to put into practice. Before 2002 there was a poor control system and it led failure of

conservation policy. Thirty per cent of stocks are currently below biological safety limits, and

in the case of 80% of stocks the sector’s yield is falling as a result of overfishing.

11 http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/external_relations_en.htm 12 Information Kit, Committee on Fisheries Secretariat, July 2009, p. 17 13 The Common Fisheries Policy Practical Guide, Provisional Version, Directorate-General For Internal Policies, Policy Department Structural and Cohesion Policies, p. 10

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After 2002 reform, was created a joint inspection structure to ensure the pooling of

Community and national inspection and monitoring resources through the Community

Fisheries Control Agency(CFCA). Clarified competences of the players in the fisheries sector.

Member States are responsible for the implementation of CFP rules on their territory and in

their waters and also by the vessels flying their flags operating outside these waters. Also

application of rules were more harmonized. Sanctions within Member States continue to vary

and this acts as a constraint to the uniform achievement of common level of compliance. The

Council shall draw up a list of sanctions to be applied by Member States for serious

infringements. The reform has granted more autonomy to the Commission in the control of

Member States’ fishing activities (e.g. Community inspectors can now undertake inspections

on fishing vessels and premises of businesses or other bodies related to the CFP without being

accompanied by an inspector of the Member State concerned. Also the Commission can

deduct fishing quota when Member States have failed to cease overfishing). There is another

measure, the CFP Compliance Scoreboard that by raising public awareness on the

performance of Member States in their control and enforcement activities, aims at achieving

better compliance.14

Some Facts on Fisheries of EU and Turkey

The enlarged European Union (EU-27) is the world's third largest producer,

accounting for around 4.4% of this total. Total production in the European Union fisheries

sector declined slightly from previous years. In 1995 total fishery production by volume in

tonnes in EU 27 was 9.237.714, in 1998 it was 8.661.575, in 2000 declined to 8.192.623, in

2003 declined to 7.243.066 and in 2006 declined to 6.693.944.15 Within the EU, the biggest

producers in terms of volume are Spain and Denmark. In Turkey total fishery production by

years accounted variable position. Both increases and declines occured but not a continuous

decline occured as in EU. In 1995 total production was 649.200 tonnes, in 1998 declined to

543.900 tonnes, in 2000 was 582.376 tonnes, in 2003 was 587.715 tonnes, in 2006 increased

to 661.991 tonnes, in 2007 increased to 772.323 tonnes and in 2008 declined to 646.000

tonnes.16

14 Information Kit, Committee on Fisheries Secretariat, July 2009, p. 21-22 15 EuroStat, Total Fishery Production - Total all Fishing Areas, EU 27 16 TurkStat, Total Fishery Production of Turkey

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In the period 1995 to 2006 the EU-15 fishing fleet has decreased by 22% in number,

by 14% in total tonnage and by 19% in total power.17 Despite the enlargements of the EU in

2004 and 2007, the number of vessels in December 2007 was 88 500, i.e. 18 000 less than in

1995.18 Contrary to the EU, in Turkey number of fishing fleet has increased over % 100 over

the past 15 years. In 1991 the number of vessels in Turkey was 8.646, in 1998 number of

vessels increased to 10.023, in 2004 increased to 17.953 and in 2007 increased to 18.790.19

Per capita consumption in EU 27 was 19.7 kg. in 199520 and 21.4 kg. in 200321. In

recent years in Turkey fishery consumption slightly increased. Consumption per capita

accounted for 6.70 kg. in 2002, 7.81 kg. in 2004 and 8.57 kg. in 2007.22But still it is very

small amount when compare with EU 27.

The European Union is the world's biggest importer of fisheries products. It also plays

a major role as an exporter of high-value fish products. Spain and France are the key

European importers, while Denmark and the Netherlands are major exporters. In 2000 the EU

imported 5.326.838 tonnes fisheries products, in 2005 imported 5.948.203 tonnes and in 2006

imported 6.236.329 tonnes.23 In 2007, the EU imported €16 billion worth of fish and fishery

products, accounting for 60% of its fish consumption. The most significant imported fish and

fishery products in value terms were frozen shrimps and prawns (21%) followed by frozen

Pacific salmon (20%) and canned tuna (9%). EU exported 1.931.518 tonnes fisheries products

in 2000, 2.492.605 tonnes in 2005 and 2.328.389 tonnes in 2006.24 EU exported €2.7 billion

worth of fisheries goods in 2006, the bulk of it to large markets like Japan. The main EU

fisheries export items were flours, meals and pellets of fish (15%), frozen mackerel (13%),

fresh saltwater fish and fresh bluefin tuna (each 12%).25Turkish fisheries products export in

recent years have a tendency of increase. In 2000, 14.533 tonnes exported, in 2003 reached to

29.937 tonnes and in 2007 Turkey exported 47.214 tonnes fisheries products. While has been

a constant increase on export, import of fishery products had an alternating trend. In 2000

import of fisheries products was 44.230 tonnes, in 2002 it was 22.532 tonnes, in 2004 reached

to 57.694 tonnes and in 2007 import of fisheries products was 58.022 tonnes.26

17 EuroStat, Pocket Books, Fishery Statistics, Data 1990-2006, 2007 Edition, p. 55 18 EuroStat, Facts and Figures on The CFP, Basic Data on The Common Fisheries Policy, Edition 2008, p. 11 19 Chamber of Shipping, Industry Report 2008, Turkish Fishing Sector, p.2 20 EuroStat, Pocket Books, Fishery Statistics, Data 1990-2006, 2007 Edition, p. 58 21 EuroStat, Facts and Figures on The CFP, Basic Data on The Common Fisheries Policy, Edition 2008, p. 22 22 TurkStat, Consumption on Fisheries 23 EuroStat, Pocket Books, Fishery Statistics, Data 1990-2006, 2007 Edition, p. 44 24 EuroStat, Pocket Books, Fishery Statistics, Data 1990-2006, 2007 Edition, p. 46 25 EU Fisheries Trade 2007, http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/agri_fish/fish/ft07_en.htm 26 TurkStat, Production, export, import and consumption of fisheries.

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Fisheries Policy in Turkey and Harmonization With The Common Fisheries Policy

Fisheries policy is an important topic in the case of integration of Turkey to the EU.

However Turkey had no competent macro level fisheries policy framework for years.

Through the integration process of Turkey to the EU, first time in the Luxembourg Summit in

1997, was exposed the need of support by EU for harmonization of Turkish Fisheries Policy

to the EU common fisheries policy. After Helsinki summit, were established 8 sub-

committees to coordinate the integration of Turkey to the EU. And one of these committees

was agriculture and fisheries.

Turkey has coastal borders with Blacksea, Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean which

accounts for 8.333 km and includes several inland waters and rivers. This geo-strategic

position provides a rich and various fishery resources. It is estimated that 170.000 species live

in Turkish waters but, 500 of them have an economic value.

The fishing activities in Turkey are structured under three conditions; namely,

amateurish coastline fishing, professional coastline fishing and long distance fishing. The

average engine power is around 15-horse power (HP). 5% of the sea fish products are

acquired through amateurish coastline fishing. This amount equates to 30 - 35 thousand tons

of fish. Some portion of the fish products are consumed by the fishermen families and some

are sold in the fish market. The professional coastline fishing is done with vessels less than 20

meters in length. The engine power varies up to 300 HP. The aggregate fish products amount

to 200.000 tons. In the long distance fishing, 60 - 70% of the vessels are 20 - 65 meters in

length. The engine power is between 300 and 1.500 HP. 27

Turkish fisheries and aquaculture activities are based on the Fisheries Law No. 1380

which was enacted in 1971. Fisheries Law no. 1380 was amended in 1986 by Law no 3288

and in 2003 by Law no 4950. In accordance with the Laws, every year commercial fisheries and

sport fishing circulars are published and announced in the official Journal about the restrictions for

stock control.

The authorized organization to manage fisheries policy in Turkey is Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). MARA is responsible for governance, legislation,

conservation, development and technical support of fisheries industry through 4 Directorate

Generals, 81 Provincial Directorates and 4 Research Institutes on fisheries.

27 Çelikkale, S. Düzgüneş,E. & Okumuş, İ, Potential, current situation, problems and solutions of Turkey fisheries industry, İstanbul, 1999, p. 43-44

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Below main functions of these organizations were examined28

Directorate General for Protection and Control Department of Fisheries; Takes

measures for resource management and controls fishing, issues fishing licences and manages

fleet registry, controls processing establishments, carries out studies on site selection, renting

and maintenance of fishing ports, regulates the wholesale and retail fish markets.

Directorate General for Agricultural Production and Development Department of

Aquaculture; Sets policy for aquaculture, designates aquaculture sites, regulates rental

procedures for sites, approves and monitors individual aquaculture investment projects.

Directorate General for Agricultural Research Fisheries Section Conducts research for;

fisheries stock assessment, improvement of fishing, Technologies, aquaculture, processing

technology, economic analysis of fisheries resources.

Directorate General for Organisation and Support; Provides technical and financial

assistance for start up of producer organizations, provides extension services, sets rules for

establishment and operation of POs.

The State Planning Organization prepares long-term development plans and annual

programs conforming to the targets of the sector determined by the government, and

coordinates activities of the ministries and public institutions concerning economic, social and

cultural policies, to ensure efficient implementation and advise the government regarding

fishery policy issues. Fisheries Production data are gathered and evaluated by the TurkStat in

collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. TurkStat uses a complete

technique for large scale fishermen, and sub-sampling for small scale fishermen. The Under

Secretariat of Foreign Trade of the Prime Ministry is the other public organisation which

regulates fish exports and imports regime. The Agricultural Bank of Republic of Turkey and

Under Secretariat of the Treasury operate credit and incentive schemes to support the

fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The Scientific and Technical Research Council also plays an

important role organising and subsidising research activities. The Export Promotion Centre of

Turkey, which is the only public organisation in this field, acts as an intermediary in

establishing business contacts between foreign importers and Turkish exporters to develop

and to promote Turkish fisheries exports.

According to the Fisheries Law of 1971 and 1986, licensing both fishermen and their

vessels has become compulsory. Licences are issued by Provincial Directorates of MARA and

records are consolidated and kept at central (Ministerial) level. A MS-Windows based

28 OECD, Country Note on National Fisheries Management Systems –Turkey, 2002 http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/9/29/34431494.pdf

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electronic database is in service since 2001. Fleet capacity was frozen in 1991. Limited

number of licences were granted to fishing vessels for short periods in 1994, 1997 and 2001.

No vessel entry since 2002. New entries are only allowed when a vessel is exiting the fleet. In

case of modification or modernization of a fishing vessel, a 20 % increase in length is

allowed.29 But although these all fleet restrictions, fleet capacity has increased over past 15

years by lack of strong control and inspection systems.

During the fishing season fishermen can fish in all waters any species by any amount

with fewer exceptions as closed areas and gear type in the specific areas which are identified

in the annual circular. Fishing regulation is based on these regulations; minimum mesh size

(i.e. trawl net 20 mm in the Black Sea and 22 mm other seas), minimum fish size (length (cm)

and/or weight (g), closed area and terms for specified gears and/or vessels, closed season and

area, species under full conservation (dolphin, seal, salmon, sea turtle, sponge, corals and

sturgeons), completely banned fishing methods and fishing gears, gear restriction for

identified species, gear or fishing method restrictions, some restrictions concerning pollutants.

Seasonal prohibition protects spawning stocks as it bans the use of trawl and purse seines

between May and September. There are no other management measures such as TACs and

landing quotas, exclusive regional or sub regional fishing permits. 30

Responsible bodies for fisheries control at sea are MARA and Turkish Coast Guard

Command. MARA’s control fleet consists of 81 vessels, of which 41 operates at sea (No

vessel exceeding 12 m). There is practically no system of fishing registry and catch reporting,

complying the requirements of the EU Legislation (EC Regulation No. 2807/83 and 2847/93).

Application of a system of recording of data (log books and landing declarations) on

operations of fishing vessels exceeding 12 m. has commenced in 2002. A pilot activity

towards the use of sales notes has commenced on 1st March 2006, at 10 provinces where

wholesale fish market exist. Preparatory work on extending of nationwide use of sales notes is

underway.31

In 2002, a study on the Turkish fisheries sector and legislation was undertaken as part

of an EU Project titled “Support to the Turkish Authorities in Charge of Legislative

Alignment to the Acquis in the Fisheries Sector” After this study, a project Fiche was

prepared. The overall objective of the project is to enhance the sustainable contribution of the 29 Screening Chapter 13, Fisheries, Country Session, Agenda Item 2: Fleet Management The Republic of Turkey, 31 March 2006 30 Duzgunes Ertug; Erdogan Naciye, Fisheries Management in the Black Sea Countries, Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2008, p. 191 31 Screening Chapter 13, Fisheries, Country Session, Agenda Item 4: Inspection and Control, The Republic of Turkey, 31 March 2006

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fisheries sector to the national economy and prepare the sector for Turkey’s accession to the

European Union.

No direct structural actions policy placed to the fisheries yet. It is dealed with national

rural development strategy. Institutional and structural re-organization in MARA for fisheries

including structural actions has not been fulfilled yet. However, Turkey finances several

infrastructural needs of the fishery sector through the investment part of the Budget. A total of

€ 16,256,383 has been allocated for fiscal year 2006. 32 The infrastructural activities are

focused on construction and maintenance of fishing ports carried out by Ministry of

Transport. There is an ongoing project titled “Fisheries Sector- Legal and Institutional

Alignment to the EU Acquis”.Financial Cooperation Programme, which contributes to

designate landing ports, set up required physical and infrastructural facilities and recruit

personnel for monitoring and recording of landings of catch therein.33

Furthermore export refund for prepared and preserved fish, tax relief scheme for diesel

oil used in fishing vessels, aquaculture support scheme, and subsidized credit scheme for

fishermen and fish farmers were introduced by Turkish Government.34

Fish Producers in Turkey can be organized in accordance with Law No. 5200 on

Agricultural Producer Unions and/or Cooperatives Law No. 1163. It is planned amendment

on these laws or a new law of fisheries producers organization law to provide harmonization

with the 104/2000/EC Council Regulation fort the 2008-2009 legislation year.

Fisheries in Blacksea

The Black Sea fishery resources have been shared by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania,

Russia Federation, Ukraine and Turkey. Turkey has 1.695 km coastal length on Blacksea. In

case of Black Sea fish production, Turkey is the leader country and followed by Ukraine and

Russian Federation. Blacksea has approximately 247 species. Blacksea have maximum

potential for hunting in Turkey, especially in the Eastern Blacksea big proportion of hunting is

done. Above %50 of national output is acquired from Eastern Blacksea. And above %70 of

national fishery production is acquired from Blacksea. Also in aquaculture especially Eastern

Blacksea has an important role. Trabzon is the biggest aquaculture producer with %28 and

Ordu is the second with %27 in Blacksea. While in 2005 aquaculture production accounted 32 Screening Chapter 13, Fisheries, Country Session, Agenda Item 5: Structural Actions, The Republic of Turkey, 31 March 2006 33 Turkey – Screening Fisheries Acquis Answers to Non-exhaustive List of Issues and Questions to Facilitate Preparation for Bilateral Meetings, p. 7 34 Duzgunes Ertug; Erdogan Naciye, Fisheries Management in the Black Sea Countries, Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2008, p. 191

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7.465 tonnes, it is estimated that in 2014 production would reach to 10.558 tonnes. Turkey’s

%38 of total fishing fleet operates in Blacksea. There are 4.106 fishing vessels in Eastern

Blacksea and 2.594 vessels in Western Blacksea region, totally 6.700 fishing vessels in

Blacksea. %59 of these vessels are between 5- 7.9 m. lenght. There are 12 fishing vessels

above 50 m and 130 vessels between 30-49.9 m length by the year 2008. Of these vessels

%90 non-trawlers, % 5 have cold storage, % 4.7 have sonar, % 20 have radar, %11 have Gps-

satellite, % 14 have echo sounder.35 By dispersion of fishing vessels in Eastern Blacksea,

Trabzon is the first by %32 proportion, Rize is second by %23.7, Ordu is third by %19.9 and

in turn Giresun %18.3 and Artvin %6.1. Blacksea Region accounts % 42 of total employment

of Turkey in fisheries industry. Most common species in Blacksea are anchovy, horse

mackerel, lesser grey mullet, sprat, turbot, whiting and red mullet.

Being a semi-closed sea and having shared stocks are obliged the Black Sea countries

to manage fishery resources with common measures. After the accession of Bulgaria and

Romania to the EU and position of Turkey as a candidate country, the Black Sea has become

an interest area to EU which all the fisheries activities needs to be managed in accordance to

the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) rules. In order to establish co-management plans, basic

management knowledge on current management systems is urgently needed for all national

and international stakeholders.36

To provide collaboration in Blacksea, Turkey participated some organizations such as

Convention for Fisheries Conservation of Living Reseouces of the Black Sea, Organisation of

Black Sea for Economic Co-operation.

In 2008 Commission of The European Communities with the concept of

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament issued a

publication with the name of “Report on the First Year of Implementation of The Blacksea

Synerg”.In the report examined concrete goals and tasks in thematic fields which were

formulated in 2007. There is ten fields concerning to the Blacksea such as; environment,

energy, transport, trade. Maritime policy and fisheries is one of that ten fields as well and took

part in the report.

In the framework of the recently adopted Integrated Maritime Policy for the European

Union the Commission is promoting better cooperation between national authorities

responsible for offshore government activities, including in the Western Black Sea region,

35 TurkStat, Charasterictics of Turkish Fishing Fleet 36 Duzgunes Ertug; Erdogan Naciye, Fisheries Management in the Black Sea Countries, Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2008, p. 181

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through the creation of an integrated network of maritime surveillance systems. In this

context, it will also look at the possibility of extending such a network to other non-EU Black

Sea littoral states. The Black Sea countries have already established Exclusive Economic

Zones and currently prepare to develop a regional Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zones

Management. The Commission will complete a Road Map in order to facilitate the

development of maritime spatial planning by the end of 2008. Member States in the Black Sea

region are encouraged to start their own reflection on maritime spatial planning and learn

from the experience of other Member States. The Commission is in the process of establishing

a European Marine Observation and Data Network for all sea basins, including the Black

Sea.37

In 2008 The Council of European Union issued a regulation to Community fishing

vessels operating in Blacksea for fixing the fishing opportunities and the conditions relating

thereto for certain fish stocks applicable in the Black Sea for 2009. Regulation sets out the

TAC’s and quotas of Member States in Blacksea and technical measure. According to the

regulation both Bulgaria can catch 50 tonnes and Romania can catch 50 tonnes Turbot in

Blacksea. And vessels flying the flag of Bulgaria or Romania can catch 12.750 tonnes sprat in

Blacksea. No fishing activity for turbot shall be permitted from 15 April to 15 June in

European Community waters of the Black Sea. The minimum legal mesh size for bottom-set

nets used to catch turbot shall be 400 mm.38

Conclusion

In the 2008 progress report it is stated that because of the spread of powers across different

Ministries and even different departments within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Affairs (MARA). The central administration structures remain unsatisfactory. The revised law

on fisheries has not yet been adopted. Some progress has been made as regards resource and

fleet management. There has been improvement in the fisheries information system however

it is not yet fully operational. Turkey’s satellite-based system for monitoring (VMS) the 86

blue-fin tuna fishing vessels is in place. This monitoring system is currently used by 196

37 Commission of The European Communities, Communication From The Commission to The Council and The European Parliament, Report on The First Year of Implementation of The Blacksea Synergy, Brussels, 2008, p. 3 38 Council Regulation (EC) No 1139/2008 of 10 November 2008, Fixing The Fishing Opportunities and The Conditions Relating Thereto For Certain Fish Stocks Applicable in The Black Sea for 2009, Official Journal of the European Union

16

vessels. Two additional fishery port offices have been established and been brought into

operation. No progress can be reported as regards stock assessment. Limited progress has

been achieved on inspection and control. It is now compulsory to keep fishing records in

logbooks for fishing vessels longer than 12 metres, which will allow registration and reporting

of catches. Turkey has started work on introducing sales notes in 10 wholesale markets on a

pilot basis. No progress can be reported concerning structural action, market policy and state

aid. As regards international agreements, Turkey signed a fisheries agreement with Yemen

and a fisheries cooperation protocol with Georgia. As a conclusion Limited progress has been

made on resource and fleet management and on inspection and control. However, Turkey has

made no progress on legislative alignment in this chapter. The administrative structures

necessary to implement the Common Fisheries Policy have not been established.39

Also in the accession partnership document 2008, was evaluated fisheries policy of

Turkey by Council. Need of reinforce the administrative structures in particular by creating a

central unit in charge of all fisheries matters. Particular attention also needs to be paid to

strengthening fisheries inspection and control services. Adopting the revised Fisheries Law in

line with EU requirements, including in the field of resource and fleet management, as well as

inspection and control.40

As a conclusion Turkey must put into practice these developments:

Directorate General of Aqua Products must be established. The seperate structure of

MARA leads more bureaucracy and time losses.

Indemnity mechanism should be established to exclude some of the fleets from fishing.

Should be provided efficient work of producer organizations. Need of harmonizing

producer organizations with the EU.

Improvement and new investments on infrastructure of fisheries must be done.(Ports,

marketplaces, e.t.c)

Turkey has obtained a steady growth in aquaculture. To sustain this situation, needed

support must be provide to aquaculture with a healthy policy.

Encouragement of consumption of fisheries products must be supplied in internal

market.

Agreements with third countries must be establish and must be enhanced the

participation to the international organizations of fisheries.

39 Turkey Progress Report 2008, Commission Staff Working Document, Brussels, 2008, p. 54-55 40 Council Decision on The Principles, Priorities and Conditions Contained in The Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey and Repealing Decision 2006/35/EC, Official Journal of the European Union, 2008, p. 12

17

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