2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), an influential multi-stakeholder body providing strategic advice to the European Commission and Member states, in support of sustainable fisheries management. Reflecting on two decades of contributions towards the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the NWWAC has launched a short film, available on their website’s homepage.
In the footage, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, underscores that “Over two decades, Advisory Councils have had a pivotal role in the way fisheries policy has evolved. They are a source of useful advice to the Commission and to the Member States, serving as platforms for open discussion and contributing to regionalised approaches. In many ways, fisheries management under the EU Common Fisheries Policy has become the gold standard around the world. Advisory Councils play an important role in this process, delivering on sustainability in the policy and the stability for the fisheries sector.”
Commenting on this ‘gold standard’ and the particular approach of the NWWAC in delivering its mandate to enhance regionalisation and stakeholder engagement in fisheries’ management, Chair of the AC, Emiel Brouckaert stated: “Since its inception, the NWWAC has been recognised as a key stakeholder in the implementation of the CFP. The Advisory Council has brought together and aligned views of the fishing industry, environmental NGOs and other civil society organisations, fostering dialogue, building trust, and integrating stakeholder knowledge into decision-making processes ensuring sustainable management of marine resources in the Northeast Atlantic. This isn’t easy work, but our members and Secretariat care deeply about the importance of balanced, stakeholder-driven input into policy. It’s been very important to us to celebrate this milestone in our AC’s history.”
The anniversary film also features Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., who added “The Ocean’s complex systems show us that nothing exists in isolation, nor can decisions be made in isolation. In order to solve the complex issues facing us, we all, fishers, scientists, environmental NGOs, policymakers and politicians, need to work together. Our aim therefore must be to sustainably manage our marine resources, including our fish stocks, so they can continue to support our fishers, coastal communities and citizens long into the future.”
In the past 12 months the NWWAC has issued 28 pieces of advice and held 41 meetings. Looking ahead to the future of EU fisheries, the NWWAC remains committed to promoting dialogue, collaboration, consensus-building and sustainable practices for the benefit of present and future generations.
Want to find out more about the NWWAC and membership? Contact: mo.mathies@nwwac.ie
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Notes to editors
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) is one of 11 fisheries Advisory Councils across Europe, generating multi-stakeholder advice to feed into the European Commission and Member States on key fisheries policy developments affecting their area of competence. NWWAC advice focuses on matters related to EU fisheries management and ecosystem considerations in the Irish Sea, the Celtic Seas and the Channel.
NWWAC website English: https://www.nwwac.org/english
NWWAC website French: https://www.nwwac.org/francaise
NWWAC website Spanish: https://www.nwwac.org/espanola
NWWAC Secretariat contact: Mo Mathies | mo.mathies@nwwac.ie | T: +353 1 2144 143 | M: +353 87 238 2136