Indicator 14.30 Estimated trend in fishing pressure

The indicator presents the model-based median value of fishing pressure (F/Fmsy) in EU marine waters of the North-East Atlantic and adjacent seas (FAO area 27) and the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (FAO area 37) for which current fishing mortality (F) exceeds the estimated fishing mortality consistent with achieving maximum sustainable yield (Fmsy). Fishing mortality is a measure for death or removal of fish from a population due to fishing. The fishing mortality consistent with achieving maximum sustainable yield is determined by the long-term average stock size that allows fishing at this level. For fisheries to be sustainable, F should not exceed Fmsy– the point at which the largest catch can be taken from a fish stock over an indefinite period without harming it.

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine recources for sustainable development which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature’. The indicator can be considered as similar to the global SDG indicator 14.4.1 “Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels”.

The Common Fisheries Policy aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector by safeguarding stock reproduction for high long-term yield, improving distribution of fishing opportunities, conserving marine resources and supporting the profitability of the industry. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive takes a comprehensive and integrated approach to the protection of the marine environment and natural resources with the aim of achieving good environmental status of EU marine waters that are ecologically diverse, clean healthy and productive