New rules on margin of tolerance for fishing logbooks

SFPA publishes Fisheries Information Notice regarding new margin of tolerance regulations for fishing logbooks

The Marine Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently published a new Fisheries Information Notice (FIN) to help industry members prepare for changes to the margin of tolerance rules for fish recording that come into effect on July 10, 2024.

You can access your FIN at sfpa.ie.*

This FIN explains the updates to the margin of tolerance under Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 amending the existing Control Regulation (Regulation No 1224/2009).** The margin of tolerance is the difference between the estimated number of species recorded by the master in the fishing logbook (estimated weight in full weight) and the actual weight of the species after weighing and converting to full weight (live weight equivalent). The allowable margin of tolerance under the Control Regulation is currently 10% for all species. From 10 July 2024, the margin of tolerance will increase to 20% for species with a live weight equivalent (LWE) of 100 kg or less.

In addition, specific derogations will be introduced for species landed unsorted in small pelagic fisheries, tropical tuna purse seine fisheries and fisheries for industrial purposes. The margin of tolerance applicable to these catches depends on whether they are landed in a listed or off-list port. The requirements for the listing of ports are detailed in the new Implementing Regulation 2024/1474. So far, no European Union port has been included on the list. Further information will be provided pending the consent of the European Commission to establish a list of ports under the jurisdiction of the Irish State.

Ireland’s electronic fishing logbooks (ieCatch) will be updated to take account of these new regulations when they come into force on 10 July. SFPA will communicate with all electronic logbook users regarding these updates as they occur.

All ship operators should familiarize themselves with the new margin of tolerance rules before their implementation date. The SFPA is committed to supporting compliance with both new and existing legislation and stands ready to provide guidance. For assistance or further details on FIN, please contact: sfpafood&(email protected)

Source: Press ReleasP