CHAPTER IISURVIVABILITY EXEMPTIONS IN NORTH-WESTERN WATERS

Article 6Survivability exemption for plaice

1.

The survivability exemption provided for in Article 15(4)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 shall apply to:

(a)

plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) caught in ICES divisions 7d to 7g with trammel nets (gear codes: GTR, GTN, GEN, GN);

(b)

plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) caught in ICES divisions 7d to 7g with otter trawls (gear codes: OTT, OTB, TBS, TBN, TB, PTB, OT, PT, TX);

(c)

plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) caught in ICES divisions 7a to 7g by vessels having a maximum engine greater than 221 kW, and using beam trawls (TBB) fitted with a flip-up rope or benthic release panel;

(d)

plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) caught in ICES divisions 7a to 7g by vessels using beam trawls (TBB), having a maximum engine power of 221 kW or a maximum length of 24 metres, which are constructed to fish within 12 nautical miles of the coast and with average tow durations of no more than ninety minutes;

(e)

plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) caught in ICES division 7d with Danish seines (gear code: SDN).

2.

For the exemptions set out in points (c) and (d), Member States having a direct management interest shall submit, as soon as possible and not later than by 1 May every year, additional scientific information supporting these exemptions, including provisional information on plaice catches, discards and the progress of vitality or survival research in the relevant fisheries. Member States shall also submit a timetable for the completion of the agreed roadmap by 1 May 2021. The STECF shall assess that information by 30 June 2021.

3.

When discarding plaice caught in the cases referred to in paragraph 1, the plaice shall be released immediately.