EC request - Clarification of 2010 TAC Advice relative to TAC rules of Com (2009) 224

The EC communication titled “Consultation on Fishing Opportunities for 2010” [Com (2009) 224] gives rules for setting TACs (Annex 2 of the EC Communication) according to 9 stock categories. Some of these rules apply to stocks where it is not possible to provide advice based on a catch forecast in relation to precautionary limits, except for naturally short-lived species. The communication also asks ICES to evaluate an alternative rule (Annex 3 of the EC Communication) with respect to the precautionary approach and compatibility with maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The rule applies to stocks where the state of the stock is not precisely known. The rules in the Annex titled “EC TAC Rules.”