This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 1 January 2014.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Strasbourg, 11 December 2013.
For the European Parliament
The President
M. SCHULZ
For the Council
The President
V. LEŠKEVIČIUS
(1)
OJ C 181, 21.6.2012, p. 183.
(2)
OJ C 225, 27.7.2012, p. 20.
(3) Position of the European Parliament of 6 February 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and position of the Council at first reading of 17 October 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Position of the European Parliament of 9 December 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
(4) Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy (OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59).
(5) The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and of the Agreement on the implementation of Part XI thereof (OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 3).
(6) Council Decision 98/392/EC of 23 March 1998 concerning the conclusion by the European Community of the United Nations Convention of 10 December 1982 on the Law of the Sea and the Agreement of 28 July 1994 relating to the implementation of Part XI thereof (OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 1).
(7) Council Decision 98/414/EC of 8 June 1998 on the ratification by the European Community of the Agreement for the implementing of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks (OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 14).
(8) Agreement on the implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks (OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 16).
(9) Council Decision 96/428/EC of 25 June 1996 on acceptance by the Community of the Agreement to promote compliance with international conservation and management measures by fishing vessels on the high seas (OJ L 177, 16.7.1996, p. 24).
(10) Agreement to promote compliance with international conservation and management measures by fishing vessels on the high seas (OJ L 177, 16.7.1996, p. 26).
(11) Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).
(12) Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).
(13) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).
(14) Council resolution of 3 November 1976 on certain external aspects of the creation of a 200-mile fishing zone in the Community with effect from 1 January 1977 (OJ C 105, 7.5.1981, p. 1).
(15) Commission Decision 2005/629/EC of 26 August 2005 establishing a Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (OJ L 225, 31.8.2005, p. 18).
(16) Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
(17) Council Decision 2004/585/EC of 19 July 2004 establishing Regional Advisory Councils under the Common Fisheries Policy (OJ L 256, 3.8.2004, p. 17).
(18) Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea, amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1626/94 (OJ L 409, 30.12.2006, p. 11).
(19) Council Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 of 22 September 1986 defining characteristics for fishing vessels (OJ L 274, 25.9.1986, p. 1).
(20) Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 1).
(21) Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1).
(22) ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) zones are as defined in Regulation (EC) No 218/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on the submission of nominal catch statistics by Member States fishing in the north-east Atlantic (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 70).
(23) CECAF (Eastern Central Atlantic or FAO major fishing zone 34) zones are as defined in Regulation (EC) No 216/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on the submission of nominal catch statistics by Member States fishing in certain areas other than those of the North Atlantic (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p. 1).
(24) Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1184/2006 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (See page 1 of this Official Journal).
(25) Council Regulation (EC) No 1954/2003 of 4 November 2003 on the management of the fishing effort relating to certain Community fishing areas and resources and modifying Regulation (EC) No 2847/93 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 685/95 and (EC) No 2027/95 (OJ L 289, 7.11.2003, p. 1).
(26) Council Regulation (EC) No 639/2004 of 30 March 2004 on the management of fishing fleets registered in the Community outermost regions (OJ L 102, 7.4.2004, p. 9).
ANNEX I
ACCESS TO COASTAL WATERS WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 5(2)
1. Coastal waters of the united kingdom
A. ACCESS FOR FRANCE
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
United Kingdom coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Berwick-upon-Tweed east
Coquet Island east
Herring
Unlimited
2.
Flamborough Head east
Spurn Head east
Herring
Unlimited
3.
Lowestoft east
Lyme Regis south
All species
Unlimited
4.
Lyme Regis south
Eddystone south
Demersal
Unlimited
5.
Eddystone south
Longships south-west
Demersal
Unlimited
Scallops
Unlimited
Lobster
Unlimited
Crawfish
Unlimited
6.
Longships south-west
Hartland Point north-west
Demersal
Unlimited
Crawfish
Unlimited
Lobster
Unlimited
7.
Hartland Point to a line from the north of Lundy Island
Demersal
Unlimited
8.
From a line due west Lundy Island to Cardigan Harbour
All species
Unlimited
9.
Point Lynas North
Morecambe Light Vessel east
All species
Unlimited
10.
County Down
Demersal
Unlimited
11.
New Island north-east
Sanda Island south-west
All species
Unlimited
12.
Port Stewart north
Barra Head west
All species
Unlimited
13.
Latitude 57°40'N
Butt of Lewis west
All species, except shellfish
Unlimited
14.
St Kilda, Flannan Islands
All species
Unlimited
15.
West of the line joining Butt of Lewis lighthouse to the point 59°30'N-5°45'W
All species
Unlimited
B. ACCESS FOR IRELAND
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
United Kingdom coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Point Lynas north
Mull of Galloway south
Demersal
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
2.
Mull of Oa west
Barra Head west
Demersal
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
C. ACCESS FOR GERMANY
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
United Kingdom coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
East of Shetlands and Fair Isle between lines drawn due south-east from Sumbrugh Head lighthouse due north-east from Skroo lighthouse and due south-west from Skadan lighthouse
Herring
Unlimited
2.
Berwick-upon-Tweed east, Whitby High lighthouse east
Herring
Unlimited
3.
North Foreland lighthouse east, Dungeness new lighthouse south
Herring
Unlimited
4.
Zone around St Kilda
Herring
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
5.
Butt of Lewis lighthouse west to the line joining Butt of Lewis lighthouse and the point 59°30'N-5°45'W
Herring
Unlimited
6.
Zone around North Rona and Sulisker (Sulasgeir)
Herring
Unlimited
D. ACCESS FOR THE NETHERLANDS
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
United Kingdom coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
East of Shetlands and Fair Isle between lines drawn due south-east from Sumburgh Head lighthouse due north-east from Skroo lighthouse and due south-west from Skadan lighthouse
Herring
Unlimited
2.
Berwick upon Tweed east, Flamborough Head east
Herring
Unlimited
3.
North Foreland east, Dungeness new lighthouse south
Herring
Unlimited
E. ACCESS FOR BELGIUM
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
United Kingdom coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Berwick upon Tweed east
Coquet Island east
Herring
Unlimited
2.
Cromer north
North Foreland east
Demersal
Unlimited
3.
North Foreland east
Dungeness new lighthouse south
Demersal
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
4.
Dungeness new lighthouse south, Selsey Bill south
Demersal
Unlimited
5.
Straight Point south-east, South Bishop north-west
Demersal
Unlimited
2. Coastal waters of ireland
A. ACCESS FOR FRANCE
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Irish coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Erris Head north-west
Sybil Point west
Demersal
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
2.
Mizen Head south
Stags south
Demersal
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
3.
Stags south
Cork south
Demersal
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
4.
Cork south, Carnsore Point south
All species
Unlimited
5.
Carnsore Point south, Haulbowline south-east
All species, except shellfish
Unlimited
B. ACCESS FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Irish coast (6 to 12 miles)
1.
Mine Head south
Hook Point
Demersal
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
2.
Hook Point
Carlingford Lough
Demersal
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
Scallops
Unlimited
C. ACCESS FOR THE NETHERLANDS
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Irish coast (6 to 12 miles)
1.
Stags south
Carnsore Point south
Herring
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
D. ACCESS FOR GERMANY
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Irish coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Old Head of Kinsale south
Carnsore Point south
Herring
Unlimited
2.
Cork south
Carnsore Point south
Mackerel
Unlimited
E. ACCESS FOR BELGIUM
Geographical area
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Irish coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
1.
Cork south
Carnsore Point south
Demersal
Unlimited
2.
Wicklow Head east
Carlingford Lough south-east
Demersal
Unlimited
3. Coastal waters of belgium
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
3 to 12 nautical miles
Netherlands
All species
Unlimited
France
Herring
Unlimited
4. Coastal waters of denmark
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
North Sea coast (Danish/German frontier to Hanstholm) (6 to 12 nautical miles)
Danish/German frontier to Blåvands Huk
Germany
Flatfish
Unlimited
Shrimps and prawns
Unlimited
Netherlands
Flatfish
Unlimited
Roundfish
Unlimited
Blåvands Huk to Bovbjerg
Belgium
Cod
Unlimited only from 1 June to 31 July
Haddock
Unlimited only from 1 June to 31 July
Germany
Flatfish
Unlimited
Netherlands
Plaice
Unlimited
Sole
Unlimited
Thyborøn to Hanstholm
Belgium
Whiting
Unlimited only from 1 June to 31 July
Plaice
Unlimited only from 1 June to 31 July
Germany
Flatfish
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Cod
Unlimited
Saithe
Unlimited
Haddock
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Whiting
Unlimited
Netherlands
Cod
Unlimited
Plaice
Unlimited
Sole
Unlimited
Skagerrak
(Hanstholm to Skagen)
(4 to 12 nautical miles)
Belgium
Plaice
Unlimited only from 1 June to 31 July
Germany
Flatfish
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Cod
Unlimited
Saithe
Unlimited
Haddock
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Whiting
Unlimited
Netherlands
Cod
Unlimited
Plaice
Unlimited
Sole
Unlimited
Kattegat (3 to 12 miles)
Germany
Cod
Unlimited
Flatfish
Unlimited
Nephrops
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
North of Zeeland to the parallel of the latitude passing through Forsnæs lighthouse
Germany
Sprat
Unlimited
Baltic Sea
(including Belts, Sound, Bornholm)
(3 to 12 nautical miles)
Germany
Flatfish
Unlimited
Cod
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Eel
Unlimited
Salmon
Unlimited
Whiting
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
Skagerrak
(4 to 12 miles)
Sweden
All species
Unlimited
Kattegat
(3 to 12 miles (1))
Sweden
All species
Unlimited
Baltic Sea
(3 to 12 miles)
Sweden
All species
Unlimited
5. Coastal waters of germany
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
North Sea coast
(3 to 12 nautical miles)
all coasts
Denmark
Demersal
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Sandeel
Unlimited
Netherlands
Demersal
Unlimited
Shrimps and prawns
Unlimited
Danish/German frontier to the northern tip of Amrum at 54°43′N
Denmark
Shrimps and prawns
Unlimited
Zone around Helgoland
United Kingdom
Cod
Unlimited
Plaice
Unlimited
Baltic coast
(3 to 12 miles)
Denmark
Cod
Unlimited
Plaice
Unlimited
Herring
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Eel
Unlimited
Whiting
Unlimited
Mackerel
Unlimited
6. Coastal waters of france and the overseas departments
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
North-east Atlantic coast
(6 to 12 nautical miles)
Belgian/French frontier to east of Departement Manche (Vire-Grandcamp les Bains estuary 49° 23' 30" N-1° 2 'WNNE)
Belgium
Demersal
Unlimited
Scallops
Unlimited
Netherlands
All Species
Unlimited
Dunkerque (2° 20' E) to Cap d'Antifer (0° 10' E)
Germany
Herring
Unlimited only from 1 October to 31 December
Belgian/French frontier to Cap d'Alprech west
(50° 42 30" N — 1° 33' 30" E)
United Kingdom
Herring
Unlimited
Atlantic Coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
Spanish/French frontier to 46° 08′ N
Spain
Anchovies
Directed fishing, unlimited only from 1 March to 30 June
Fishing for live bait from 1 July to 31 October only
Sardines
Unlimited only from 1 January to 28 February and from 1 July to 31 December
In addition, activities relating to the abovementioned species must be pursued in accordance with, and within the limits of, the activities pursued during 1984
Mediterranean coast
(6 to 12 nautical miles)
Spanish frontier Cap Leucate
Spain
All species
Unlimited
7. Coastal waters of spain
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Atlantic coast (6 to 12 nautical miles)
French/Spanish frontier to Cap Mayor lighthouse (3° 47' W)
France
Pelagic
Unlimited in accordance with, and within the limits of, the activities pursued during 1984
Mediterranean coast
(6 to 12 nautical miles)
French frontier/Cap Creus
France
All species
Unlimited
8. Coastal waters of croatia (2)
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
12 miles limited to the sea area under the sovereignty of Croatia situated to the north of the 45 degrees and 10 minutes parallel north latitude along the west Istrian coast, from the outer limit of the territorial sea of Croatia, where this parallel touches the land of the west Istrian coast (the cape Grgatov rt Funtana)
Slovenia
Demersal and small pelagic species including sardine and anchovy
100 tonnes for a maximum number of 25 fishing vessels which includes 5 fishing vessels equipped with trawl nets
9. Coastal waters of the netherlands
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
(3 to 12 nautical miles) whole coast
Belgium
All species
Unlimited
Denmark
Demersal
Unlimited
Sprat
Unlimited
Sandeel
Unlimited
Horse-mackerel
Unlimited
Germany
Cod
Unlimited
Shrimps and prawns
Unlimited
(6 to 12 nautical miles) whole coast
France
All species
Unlimited
Texel south point, west to the Netherlands/German frontier
United Kingdom
Demersal
Unlimited
10. Coastal waters of slovenia (3)
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
12 miles limited to the sea area under the sovereignty of Slovenia situated to the north of the 45 degrees and 10 minutes parallel north latitude along the west Istrian coast, from the outer limit of the territorial sea of Croatia, where this parallel touches the land of the west Istrian coast (the cape Grgatov rt Funtana)
Croatia
Demersal and small pelagic species including sardine and anchovy
100 tonnes for a maximum number of 25 fishing vessels which includes 5 fishing vessels equipped with trawl nets
11. Coastal waters of finland
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Baltic Sea (4 to 12 miles) (4)
Sweden
All species
Unlimited
12. Coastal waters of sweden
Geographical area
Member State
Species
Importance or particular characteristics
Skagerrak (4 to 12 nautical miles)
Denmark
All species
Unlimited
Kattegat (3 to 12 miles (5))
Denmark
All species
Unlimited
Baltic Sea (4 to 12 miles)
Denmark
All species
Unlimited
Finland
All species
Unlimited
(1) Measured from the coastline.
(2) The above mentioned regime shall apply from the full implementation of the arbitration award resulting from the Arbitration Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, signed in Stockholm on 4 November 2009.
(3) The above mentioned regime shall apply from the full implementation of the arbitration award resulting from the Arbitration Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, signed in Stockholm on 4 November 2009.
(4) 3 to 12 miles around Bogskär Isles.
(5) Measured from the coastline.
ANNEX II
FISHING CAPACITY CEILINGS
Capacity ceilings
Member State
GT
kW
Belgium
18 962
51 586
Bulgaria
7 250
62 708
Denmark
88 762
313 333
Germany
71 117
167 078
Estonia
21 677
52 566
Ireland
77 568
210 083
Greece
84 123
469 061
Spain (including outermost regions)
423 550
964 826
France (including outermost regions)
214 282
1 166 328
Croatia
53 452
426 064
Italy
173 506
1 070 028
Cyprus
11 021
47 803
Latvia
46 418
58 496
Lithuania
73 489
73 516
Malta
14 965
95 776
Netherlands
166 859
350 736
Poland
38 270
90 650
Portugal (including outermost regions)
114 549
386 539
Romania
1 908
6 356
Slovenia
675
8 867
Finland
18 066
181 717
Sweden
43 386
210 829
United Kingdom
231 106
909 141
Capacity ceilings
Outermost regions of the Union
GT
kW
Spain
Canary Islands: L (1) < 12 m. Union waters
2 617
20 863
Canary Islands: L > 12 m. Union waters
3 059
10 364
Canary Islands: L > 12 m. International and third country waters
28 823
45 593
France
Reunion Island: Demersal and pelagic species. L < 12 m
1 050
19 320
Reunion Island: Pelagic species. L > 12 m
10 002
31 465
French Guyana: Demersal and pelagic species. Length < 12 m
903
11 644
French Guyana: Shrimp vessels
7 560
19 726
French Guyana: Pelagic species. Offshore vessels.
3 500
5 000
Martinique: Demersal and pelagic species. L < 12 m
5 409
142 116
Martinique: Pelagic species. L > 12 m
1 046
3 294
Guadeloupe: Demersal and pelagic species. L < 12 m
6 188
162 590
Guadeloupe: Pelagic species. L > 12 m
500
1 750
Portugal
Madeira: Demersal species. L < 12 m
604
3 969
Madeira: Demersal and pelagic species. L > 12 m
4 114
12 734
Madeira: Pelagic species. Seine. L > 12 m
181
777
Azores: Demersal species. L < 12 m
2 617
29 870
Azores: Demersal and pelagic species. L > 12 m
12 979
25 721
(1) "L" means overall length of a vessel.
ANNEX III
ADVISORY COUNCILS
1. Name and area of competence of Advisory Councils
Name
Areas of competence
Baltic Sea
ICES zones IIIb, IIIc and IIId
Black Sea
GFCM geographical sub-area as defined in Resolution GFCM/33/2009/2
Mediterranean Sea
Maritime Waters of the Mediterranean of the East of line 5°36′ West
North Sea
ICES zones IV and IIIa
North Western waters
ICES zones V (excluding Va and only Union waters of Vb), VI and VII
South Western waters
ICES zones VIII, IX and X (waters around Azores), and CECAF zones 34.1.1, 34.1.2 and 34.2.0 (waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands)
Outermost regions
Union waters around the outermost regions as referred to in the first paragraph of Article 349 of the Treaty divided into three sea basins: West Atlantic, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean
Pelagic stocks (blue whiting, mackerel, horse mackerel, herring, boarfish)
All geographical areas excluding the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea
High seas/long distance fleet
All non Union-waters
Aquaculture
Aquaculture, as defined in Article 4
Markets
All market areas
2. Functioning and funding of Advisory Councils
(a)
In the general assembly and executive committee, 60 % of the seats shall be allotted to representatives of fishermen and for the Aquaculture Advisory Council, aquaculture operators, and representatives of the processing and marketing sectors, and 40 % to representatives of the other interest groups affected by the Common Fisheries Policy, for example environmental organisations and consumer groups.
(b)
Except for the Advisory Council for Aquaculture and for the Advisory Council for Markets, at least one representative of the catching subsector from each Member State concerned shall be member of the executive committee.
(c)
The members of the executive committee shall, where possible, adopt recommendations by consensus. If no consensus can be reached, dissenting opinions expressed by members shall be recorded in the recommendations adopted by the majority of the members present and voting.
(d)
Each Advisory Council shall designate a chairperson by consensus. The chairperson shall act impartially.
(e)
Each Advisory Council shall adopt the measures necessary to ensure transparency and the respect of all opinions expressed.
(f)
Recommendations adopted by the executive committee shall be made available immediately to the general assembly, the Commission, Member States concerned and, upon request, to any member of the public.
(g)
The meetings of the general assembly shall be open to the public. The meetings of the executive committee shall be open to the public unless, in exceptional cases, decided otherwise by a majority of the executive committee.
(h)
European and national organisations representing the fisheries sector and other interest groups may propose members to the Member States concerned. Those Member States shall agree on the members of the general assembly.
(i)
Representatives of national and regional administrations that have fisheries interests in the area concerned and researchers from the Member States' scientific and fisheries research institutes and from the international scientific institutions that advise the Commission shall be allowed to participate in Advisory Council meetings as active observers. Any other qualified scientist may also be invited.
(j)
Representatives of the European Parliament and of the Commission may take part as active observers in Advisory Council meetings.
(k)
When issues that affect them are discussed, representatives of the fisheries sector and other interest groups from third countries, including representatives from RFMOs, that have a fishing interest in the area or fisheries covered by an Advisory Council, may be invited to participate as active observers.
(l)
Advisory Councils may apply for Union financial assistance as bodies pursuing an aim of general European interest.
(m)
The Commission shall sign a grant agreement with each Advisory Council to contribute to its operational costs, including translation and interpretation costs.
(n)
The Commission may carry out all verifications it considers necessary to ensure compliance with the tasks assigned to the Advisory Councils.
(o)
Each Advisory Council shall transmit annually its budget and a report of its activities to the Commission and to the Member States concerned.
(p)
The Commission or the Court of Auditors may at any time arrange for an audit to be carried out either by an outside body of its choice or by the Commission or the Court of Auditors departments themselves.
(q)
Each Advisory Council shall appoint a certified auditor for the period during which it benefits from Union funds.