Proposed fisheries measures for the Frisian Front Special Area of Conservation

ICES  considers  the  proposed  ban  of  gillnet  fishing  in  the  Frisian  Front  to  be  precautionary.  However,  given  the  potential  risk  to  the  common  guillemot  from  gillnets  and  the  potential  for  future  changes  in  fishing  patterns  for  the  reasons discussed below, ICES agrees with the proposed measures. Notwithstanding this view in this specific situation, ICES has concerns with evoking the precautionary approach to ban activities that currently do not take place within an area. Taking this approach could suggest the need to ban non-existing activities in areas because of the potential impact they could exert if they did take place.

ICES agrees with the conclusion of FIMPAS that additional fisheries measures within the Frisian Front to maintain the numbers  of  the  great  skua,  the great  black-backed  gull,  and  the  lesser  black-backed  gull  are  not  likely  to  support  the  conservation objectives set for the Friesian Front.

ICES also agrees with the conclusion of FIMPAS that additional fisheries measures within the Frisian Front with regard to  the  interaction  between  the  common  guillemot  and  beam-  and otter trawlers and  demersal  seine  fishers  are  not  warranted as they are not likely to support the conservation objectives set for the Frisian Front.