Shifting to the MSY: only a first stepfor changing the UE common fisheries policy and for implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries

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Since 1998, the European procedure for the production of scientific advice is largely based on the (so called) “precautionary approach”, using single-species assessment models. Such an approach is supposed to ensure long term sustainability of exploited stocks and marine ecosystems and it is the basis for the adoption by politicians of annual Total Acceptable Catches (TACs) for the main targeted stocks. Undoubtedly, it has had positive effects for some severely depleted stocks, usually leading to more restrictive access to allow stock recovery. Nevertheless, the overall state of European fishes stocks remains grim with the situation deteriorating for some species. And more generally, the current procedure should be considered inappropriate in an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) perspective.