Regional Advisory Councils for European fisheries
Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) were set up to provide greater regional stakeholder involvement in EU fisheries management. The main task of the RACs is to provide the European Commission with advice on fisheries management in their specific regions. The overall objective of the RACs is to work towards integrated and sustainable management of fisheries resources, based on the ecosystem approach and the precautionary principle.
Regional Advisory Council members are representatives of the fisheries sector and other interest groups from the region who are affected by the Common Fisheries Policy. Two thirds of the available seats in each RAC are allocated to representatives of the fisheries sector, including fishers, ship-owners, producer organisations, processors, traders and market organisations. One third is allocated to other interest groups, including environmental organisations, aquaculture producers, consumers and recreational or sport fishermen.
Seven RACs are being established for the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Western Waters, South Western Waters, the long distance/high seas fleet and the pelagic fleet. Seas At Risk is currently involved (directly or indirectly through its member organisations) in the North Sea RAC, the North Western Waters RAC, the South Western Waters RAC, the Pelagic RAC and the Long Distance RAC.
Council decision (2004/585/EC) establishing RACs (19/7/04).
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Map showing the areas covered by the different RACs.
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