In line with the scientific advice, the European Commission proposes to increase total allowable catches (TACs) for 3 stocks, a decrease for 13 stocks, and maintain TACs at the current level for 8 stocks (including zero TACs for 6 stocks), in EU and international waters of the North-East Atlantic for 2013-2014.

Fishing for deep-sea species is regulated by the European Union since 2003 in terms of total allowable catches (TACs) per species and area, and in terms of maximum fishing effort deployable in the North-East Atlantic. For this reason, and in line with the scientific advice, the European Commission proposes to increase total allowable catches (TACs) for 3 stocks, a decrease for 13 stocks, and maintain TACs at the current level for 8 stocks (including zero TACs for 6 stocks), for 2013-2014 compared to 2012. In May 2012 stricter rules to save bluefin tuna were approved.

The Commission proposes to increase by 77% the TAC for roundnose grenadiers west of the British Isles (to 4,500 tonnes). The Commission also proposes to increase by 20% and 5% the TACs for two black scabbard fish stocks in western waters (West of Scotland/Ireland). TACs for the remaining stocks of black scabbard fish and roundnose grenadier are proposed to be cut or maintained unchanged. Taking the precautionary approach, the Commission proposes to cut by 20% the red seabream and blue ling TACs, as the conservation status of these stocks is not fully assessed.

The Commission also highlights that with only two exceptions, available data on the deep-sea stocks are insufficient to allow scientists to fully assess the stock status, neither in terms of number of fish nor fishing mortality. Nevertheless, the scientific advice has improved, notably on the stocks that offer the largest fishing opportunities.