How (not) to implement the ecosystem-based approach when setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs)?

The document argues that EU decision-makers must move beyond single-stock assessments to integrate broader ecosystem dynamics, environmental factors, and multi-species interactions when setting catch limits, as mandated by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). It highlights that uncertainty should trigger the precautionary approach—leading to more protective limits—rather than serving as a justification for inaction. The briefing identifies specific tools for implementation, such as ICES mixed fisheries scenarios and ecosystem overviews, while warning against practices that prioritise commercial value over ecosystem function, such as setting 'bycatch TACs' above scientific advice to avoid 'choking' fisheries.

• EU law, specifically the CFP Basic Regulation and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), mandates an 'ecosystem-based approach' that requires managing fisheries within 'ecologically meaningful boundaries' and ensuring that the 'collective pressure' of human activities remains compatible with good environmental status.
• Decision-makers are legally obligated to consider both existing knowledge and uncertainties regarding the biotic, abiotic, and human components of ecosystems; under the precautionary approach, higher uncertainty should result in more protective measures for the ecosystem.

APA

Grossmann, J. (2020). How (not) to implement the ecosystem-based approach when setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs)? ClientEarth. https://www.clientearth.org/media/1papkfea/how-not-to-implement-the-ecosystem-based-approach-when-setting-total-allowable-catches-tacs.pdf

Chicago

Grossmann, Jenni. How (not) to implement the ecosystem-based approach when setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs)? ClientEarth, 2020. https://www.clientearth.org/media/1papkfea/how-not-to-implement-the-ecosystem-based-approach-when-setting-total-allowable-catches-tacs.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Grossmann |first1=Jenni |title=How (not) to implement the ecosystem-based approach when setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs)? |publisher=ClientEarth |date=December 2020 |url=https://www.clientearth.org/media/1papkfea/how-not-to-implement-the-ecosystem-based-approach-when-setting-total-allowable-catches-tacs.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{grossmann2020how, author = {Grossmann, Jenni}, title = {{How (not) to implement the ecosystem-based approach when setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs)?}}, institution = {ClientEarth}, year = {2020}, month = dec, url = {https://www.clientearth.org/media/1papkfea/how-not-to-implement-the-ecosystem-based-approach-when-setting-total-allowable-catches-tacs.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }