CHAPTER VCONDITIONS IN RELATION TO MESH SIZE SPECIFICATIONS

Article 27Conditions in relation to mesh size specifications

1

The catch percentages referred to in the Annexes V to VIII shall mean the maximum percentage of species allowed so as to qualify for the specific mesh sizes set out in those Annexes. Such percentages shall be without prejudice to the obligation to land catches in Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

2

The catch percentages shall be calculated as the proportion by live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip.

3

The catch percentages referred to in paragraph 2 may be calculated on the basis of one or more representative samples.

4

For the purpose of this Article, the equivalent weight of whole Norway lobster shall be obtained by multiplying the weight of Norway lobster tails by three.

5

Member States may issue fishing authorisations in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 for vessels flying their flag when engaged in fishing activities using the mesh-specific sizes provided for in Annexes V to XI. Such authorisations may be suspended or withdrawn where a vessel has been found to not have complied with the defined catch percentages provided for in Annexes V to VIII.

6

This Article shall be without prejudice to Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.

7

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts pursuant to Article 15 and in accordance with Article 29 in order to further define the term ‘directed fishing’ for relevant species in Part B of Annexes V to X and Part A of Annex XI. For this purpose, Member States having a direct management interest in the fisheries concerned shall submit any joint recommendations for the first time not later than 15 August 2020.