Review of the EU small-scale driftnet fisheries

The aim of the present study is to analyse and review the information on small-scale driftnets (SSDs), including fishing capacity and composition of catches that has been published in the literature. The study also assesses also the possible interaction of SSDs on the ecosystem, including both protected and non-protected species. Altogether, 45 active SSDs operating in EU waters were identified in 9 Member States (Bulgaria, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and UK), accounting for a total numer of about 3640 vessels in total. The 45 fisheries target over 20 different species including marine species and anadromous and catadromous species. The EU driftnet regime, as stipulated by the Regulation (EC) No 1239/98, would benefit from revision of the definition of 'driftnet' to improve clarity in the scope of the definition and to ensure that: a) inland driftnet fisheries are covered by the EU driftnet regime; b) the definition of driftnets applies to all drifting nets; and c) the one-net rule - no other gears allowed on board when fishing with driftnets - becomes the mainstay of a regime that can be enforced with a high degree of success. The main objectives of the EU driftnet regime with regard to current SSD fisheries should be to maintain the ban on large-scale driftnet fisheries because of their non-selective nature, and to support actions towards the monitoring and mitigation of the impacts of driftnet fisheries on protected species.