One of the key elements of the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was the phased introduction of a landing obligation, or discard ban, for species subject to catch limits.
The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2013 introduced measures to gradually reduce the discarding of catches. Since 2015 the gradual implementation of landing obligation across pelagic and demersal fisheries has led to full implementation of the landing obligation in 2019, which is applicable to all species subject to catch limits.
The landing obligation aligns existing legislation which prohibits high grading and enhances the existing requirements to record all catches with additional requirements to retain previously discarded catches. The use of selective fishing gears reducing the capture of unwanted catches is also required.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority continues to ensure implementation of the landing obligation through inspection, control activities and consultation with fishers, other control agencies and various stakeholders.
If you wish to find out more about the landing obligation, please contact a regional office via Contact Us or by email SFPAFood&Fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie
Landing Obligation Exemptions - Recording Discards, De Minimis and High Survivability
BIM Fisheries Management Chart
Technical guidelines and specifications for the implementation of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) in EU fisheries
This presentation is to inform Masters of Irish Commercial Fishing Vessels on the requirements of how to comply with the landing obligation
If you are unable to view the above video, click this link Landing Obligation Industry Training Presentation April 2023
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/828 of 2 February 2023 correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2015 as regards the survivability exemption for common sole catches by vessels under 12 metres long and using otter bottom trawls, in the Western Waters, ICES division 7e, for 2023
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2290 of 19 August 2022 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2015 as regards certain exemptions to the landing obligation in the Western Waters for 2023
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2063 of 25 August 2021 amending and correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2015 specifying details of the implementation of the landing obligation for certain fisheries in Western Waters for the period 2021-2023
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2015 of 21 August 2020 specifying details of the implementation of the landing obligation for certain fisheries in Western Waters for the period 2021-2023