Target benchmarks
Article 7
1
Without prejudice to the target benchmarks defined in point 4 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 and in Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, the target benchmarks for inspections of fishing vessels are set out in point 4 respectively of Annexes I to V to this Decision.
2
By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may apply alternatively different target benchmarks, expressed in terms of improved compliance levels according to the harmonised methodology established in cooperation with the EFCA, in order to fulfil the objectives set in Article 3 of this Decision, provided that:
a
detailed analysis of the fishing activities or fishing related activities and enforcement related issues justifies the need for setting target benchmarks in the form of improved compliance levels;
b
the Member States concerned define the control and inspection effort as well as the strategy to achieve the outcomes expected with the improved compliance levels;
c
the benchmarks expressed in terms of improved compliance levels do not negatively impact objectives, priorities and risk-based procedures defined by the specific control and inspection programmes;
d
the benchmarks expressed in terms of improved compliance levels are notified to the Commission at the latest one year after entry into force of this Decision and subsequently every 2 years, and this latter does not object to them within 90 days of the notification.
3
All target benchmarks shall be assessed annually on the basis of the evaluation reports referred to in Article 11(1) and, where appropriate, revised accordingly in the framework of the evaluation provided for in Article 11(6).
4
Where applicable, a joint deployment plan shall give effect to target benchmarks referred to in this Article.