Handbook of fishing gears used by the EU fleet – The European Parliament has recently updated the ‘Handbook of fishing gears used by the EU fleet’, a key publication for the European fishing industry. This handbook offers a detailed and illustrated overview of the most relevant fishing gears used by Member States’ fleets, providing an indispensable resource for fishing professionals and regulators.
The handbook, produced by the Thematic Department for Structural and Cohesion Policies of the Directorate General for Internal Policies on behalf of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament, is structured in ten chapters. Each chapter focuses on different types of fishing gear, including purse seines, trawls, longlines, dredges, traps and fixed gear.
This guide not only details the design and operation of 35 gears or fishing modes, but also indicates the target species and main fishing areas of European fleets. In addition, gear names are provided in seven languages: Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch and Portuguese.
Importance of terminology
A crucial aspect highlighted by the introduction of the publication is the complexity of the vocabulary associated with fishing gear. Specialised terminology and regional and local variants developed over time make this field particularly complex. The guide follows the International Standard Statistical Classification of Fishing Gear (ISSCFG) developed by the FAO, updated in 1990 and 2016, to ensure consistency and clarity.
This updated manual is a significant step towards more effective and sustainable management of fishery resources. It provides stakeholders and policy makers with an essential tool for understanding and regulating the use of fishing gear, contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries.
According to a spokesperson for the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, updating the manual was necessary to reflect the technological innovations and sustainable practices adopted in recent years. It is a key tool for promoting responsible fishing and educating new entrants to the industry.
Handbook of fishing gears used by the EU fleet
