Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
1
MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR SURROUNDING PURSE
SEINE NETS
Working version (for internal use
only)
February 2012
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
2
Contents:
INTRODUCTION
AREA AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION
GENERAL AIM
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRIATIC SEA
DESCRIPTION OF THE FLEET AND SECTORS
“SRDELARA” PURSE SEINE NET
Technical characteristics and total catch
Qualitative and quantitative contents of catches
Socio-economic indicators
Biological indicators
State of the stock
OBJECTIVES AND REFERENCE VALUES
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
MONITORING OF THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
SPECIAL ELEMENTS OF PURSE SEINE FISHING
OTHER PURSE SEINE NETS
Technical characteristics and the characteristics of catches
“CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE NET
OBJECTIVES AND REFERENCE VALUES
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
MONITORING OF THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
“IGLIČARA” AND “OLIŽNICA” PURSE SEINE NET
OBJECTIVES AND REFERENCE VALUES
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
MONITORING OF THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
“PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE NET
OBJECTIVES AND REFERENCE VALUES
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
MONITORING OF THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
“TUNARA” PURSE SEINE NET
Annexes:
Annex 1: List of designated ports
Annex 2: List of vessels authorized for purse seine fishing
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
3
INTRODUCTION
This management plan is based on the scientific findings of the Institute of Oceanography
and Fisheries in Split and the fishery-related data collected in the framework of data
collection programme (logbook data as collected by the MA-DF), the regulations
currently in force regulating this type of fishing, and the provisions of the Council
Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006.
This management plan takes into account purse seine fishing as is currently regulated in
the Republic of Croatia. National legal framework allows for the usage of the purse
seines under conditions that are different from those stipulated in the Council Regulation
no. 1967/20076 as regards depth and distance from shore for small purse seines, but
available information indicates that the usage of these gears is sustainable, particularly
taking into account the measures as foreseen by this plan. Small purse seines are allowed
at distances less than 300 meters from the coast, and due to the specific characteristics of
the Adriatic, the drop of the net also differs. Purse seines for small pelagic represent the
most significant economical and social segment of the fishery, and hence this
management plan contains measures which are based on maintaining the main
characteristics of the fishery. Scientific data indicate that the measures to be applied
though this management plan, while maintaining the main characteristics of the fishery
itself, indicate that the status of the stocks of small pelagic species can be kept within
sustainable limits.
Maintenance of the present regime for small purse seines is considered sustainable, given
the small number of vessels which shall be able to obtain the authorization for this type of
fisheries, and given the small catches obtained, which although small represent an
important source of income for fishermen in rural areas of the coastal and island part of
Croatia. Given the small fishing activity and the number of fishermen, no targeted
research of the impact of this type of nets on the resources was undertaken (the overall
participation in the catches of Croatia of these gears for species caught is negligible), but
the implementation of this plan foresees a more detailed follow-up and monitoring of the
impact of these gears on the resources exploited.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
4
This management plan shall apply to all fishing vessels using purse seines in territorial
waters of the Republic of Croatia, shall be applied from the date of accession of the
Republic of Croatia to the European Union, and it shall apply for a period of three years
and shall be revised each year.
The maritime area to which this management plan pertains is defined as part of the
fishing sea of the Republic of Croatia, and is comprised of the territorial (part of the outer
fishing sea) and the inner fishing waters. For the purposes of management of living
marine resources and data gathering, Croatian fishing sea has been administratively
divided into smaller units (fishing zones and sub-zones), and the limits of these units have
been defined. The fishing sea of Croatia, in accordance with the relevant provisions of
different national legal instruments, does not include areas protected in the categories of
national parks, strict nature reserves and special nature reserves, where the provisions of
special legislation on environmental protection apply and where commercial fishing, and
consequently the fishing methods to which this management plan pertains, is prohibited.
Fishing vessels to which this Management Plan pertains may engage in commercial
fishing pursuant to the commercial fishing licence (hereinafter: licence) which lists one or
more types of purse seine nets as the vessel's fishing gear. Only one fishing licence may
be issued per fishing vessel, specifying in which fishing zones the vessel is authorised to
operate, which fishing tools and gear the vessel may use, and which licence holder (legal
entity or natural person) may use it for fishing.
The licence holder must submit catch and landing data in the manner and form defined by
the legislation. Data submission requirements (logbook/catch report) are in line with the
requirements of the Council regulations no. 2847/93, 2807/83 and 1967/2006. The
information submitted, among other elements, include fishing zone where the specific
fishing activities were performed, fishing tools and gear that were used, and at what time.
All fishing vessels and all issued licences are entered into the Fishing fleet register and
the fishing licences register of the Republic of Croatia. However, it should be noted that
not all fishing vessels registered are active, but only those that hold a valid commercial
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
5
fishing licence. Furthermore, not all licences are active at all times because they can be
filed (deposited in the MA-DF office) in periods when the licence holder is unable to fish
(for ex. due to the seasonal nature of his fishing activities, a temporary suspension of
business, the inability of the vessel to fish, etc.).
AREA AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This plan shall apply to all fishing vessels entered into the Fishing Fleet Register of the
Republic of Croatia and whose licences contain as a fishing gear the purse seine nets. The
plan shall apply, as appropriate, to the vessels using different types of these nets.
The purse seine net is a surrounding type of fishing gear – a previously formed school of
fish is surrounded. As the most compact schools of fish are formed at night in artificial
light, the technique of catching fish by using the sardine purse seine net and sand smelt
purse seine net includes the use of artificial lighting. In fishing zones A, E, F and G, the
light strength of up to 10 000 W may be used with electrical lighting appliances and 10
000 candelas with gas lanterns as per fishing vessel, whereas the light strength in the
other fishing zones is not limited. Other purse seine nets may not use artificial lighting
during fishing activities. Purse seine nets do not touch Possidonia beds during the fishing
activities.
There are different types of purse seine nets in the Republic of Croatia according to the
type of fish they catch and the type of material they are made from, the relation between
their height and length, the mesh size and the twine thickness, the manner of setting up of
the float-line and sinker line onto the net margins, although these are only minor
differences. The size of purse seine nets varies depending on the type of fish caught, the
size of the school of fish, the size of the catch, depth, currents and so on.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
6
length
Figure 1 A schematic overview of the surrounding purse seine net
height
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
7
Relative to the types of fish they catch and the mesh size purse seine nets are categorised
as follows:
the “tunara” purse seine net is intended for tuna fishing (Thunnus thynnus) as
well as fishing of other large pelagic species. The minimum mesh size of the
„tunara „purse sine net is 40 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to
the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Use of this net is done in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Its usage is permitted throughout the
fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia. New licences for usage of this net are not
issued, nor is the usage of this net added to existing licences that do not contain
this gear.
the “palamidara” purse seine net is intended for bonito (Sarda sarda), bullet
tuna (Auxis rochei), little tunny (Euthunnus alletteratus) and Mediterranean
yellowtail (Seriola dumerilii). The minimum mesh size of the bonito purse seine
net is 34 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to the other opposite
mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Usage of this net is permitted throughout
the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year round.
the “srdelara” purse seine net is intended for sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and
other types of small pelagic species. The minimum mesh size of the sardine purse
seine net is 14 mm (diagonally measured from one mesh angle to the other
opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). The use of artificial light is
permitted in this type of fishing. Usage of this net is permitted throughout the
fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year round, with the exception of a
period during winter that is stipulated by law.
the “igličara” purse seine net is intended for garfish (Belone belone gracilis).
The minimum mesh size of this purse seine net is 14 mm (diagonally measured
from one mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge).
Usage of this net is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of
Croatia all year round.
the “ciplara” purse seine net is intended for mullets (Mugilidae). The minimum
mesh size of the mullet purse seine net is 26 mm (diagonally measured from one
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
8
mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the mesh gauge). Usage of
this net is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia all year
round.
the ”oližnica” purse seine net is intended for sand smelt (Atherina boyeri). The
minimum mesh size of the sand smelt purse seine net is 14 mm (diagonally
measured from one mesh angle to the other opposite mesh angle by using the
mesh gauge). Usage of this net is prohibited from 1 May to 30 June, but its usage
is permitted throughout the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia.
With the aim of ensuring long-term sustainability of stocks that are caught with these
gear types, no increasement of the fishing effort, in terms of fishing capacity or fishing
activities, is stipulated by law, along with the introduction of a range of technical
measures pursuant to Commission Regulation 1967/2006.
GENERAL AIM
The general aim of the management plan for purse seine nets is to ensure the maintenance
of stocks that are caught with these gear types within safe biological limits according to
the scientific results of the stock assessment of the main species (sardines, anchovies).
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRIATIC SEA
The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed, elongated basin of the central Mediterranean Sea
and, because it is set deeply into the land mass and is of low depth, it can be considered a
closed sea. Some of the important physical and biological properties of the North Adriatic
stem from the fact that it is the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (it reaches
45º47' N). The Adriatic is connected to the Mediterranean basin through the Strait of
Otranto, which is approximately 40 Nm wide and 741 m deep, and the strait has an
important role in water mass circulation and exchange between the Adriatic and the
Ionian Sea. The length of the Adriatic Sea is approximately 870 km, and the width
oscillates from 90 to 220 km. Its surface area, including the islands, is 138,595 km2,
which is approximately 4.6% of the total area of the Mediterranean Sea. For practical
purposes, the Adriatic Sea is usually divided into North, Central and Southern Adriatic.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
9
The geomorphological characteristics of the Adriatic basin, the geopolitical changes on
its eastern seaboard, the existence of national directorates, and the distribution of fishery
resources have lead to the division of the Adriatic area into two Geographical Sub-Areas:
GSA 17 (North and Central Adriatic) shared by Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and
Herzegovina; and GSA 18 (South Adriatic) shared by Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and
Italy. This management plan pertains to GSA 17.
The Adriatic is a shallow sea with an average depth of 252 m. The northern part is
extremely shallow, with the deepest point being 70 m (south of Cape Kamenjak). Depth
gradually increases from north-west towards the south-east. Depths over 200 m are found
in the Jabuka Pit (273 m) and the South Adriatic Pit (1330 m) in the south part of GSA
17.
Most of the Adriatic seabed is covered with sediment of various structure and
mineralogical-petrographic composition. Due to the physical structure and varied seabed
facies, the seabed can be rock, gravel, shells, sand and silt. The sand and silt sediments
cover most of the Adriatic continental shelf. Sand sediments are formed in the coastal
area (of up to 10 m in depth) and are mostly of terrigenous or biogenic origin. Silt
sediments are formed where there is no substantial seawater motion, and they cover
nearly the entire area of South Adriatic, most of Central Adriatic, the north-eastern
Adriatic channels, the Gulf of Trieste, and the 30-40 km wide area along the north-
western coast of Italy.
The seabed sediment structure, in combination with other environmental factors,
influences the composition and distribution of biocenoses.
Adriatic is a warm sea: the water from its deepest layers is almost always warmer than
11-12ºC. Surface waters show a clear seasonal temperature cycle, with maximum values
in summer and a maximally mixed layer in winter. The surface temperature of the open
waters of the Adriatic in summer usually ranges between 22-25ºC, while the bottom
temperature drops to 11.5ºC (Jabuka Pit) or 12.7ºC (South Adriatic Pit). In winter, South
Adriatic is warmer than North or Central Adriatic, and the open Adriatic waters are
warmer than the coastal waters. In the warmer part of the year, especially in summer, the
thermocline forms at a depth of approximately 10-30 m, and in Central and South
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
10
Adriatic it descends down to 50 m. In winter, due to the cooling of the surface layer, the
thermocline weakens until it gradually dissolves into the isotherm.
The salinity of the Adriatic Sea is rather high, with the average salinity being 38.3 ‰,
which is lower than in the East Mediterranean (39 ‰), and higher than in the West
Mediterranean (37 ‰). Generally speaking, salinity in the Adriatic decreases from South
to North, and from the open waters to the shore. Salinity can be explained with the inflow
of the saltier East Mediterranean water into the Adriatic and the influence, or inflow, of
rivers in spring and summer. Less saline waters are always easily and well differentiated
from the open waters in all seasons. A strong salinity front can be easily detected,
especially along the western Adriatic seaboard. In addition to the normal annual
oscillations, there are also multi-annual oscillations of salinity in the Adriatic, caused by
the differences in water mass exchange between the Adriatic and the East Mediterranean.
In those years, the saltier East Mediterranean waters penetrate into the Adriatic more
strongly, thereby increasing the salinity, influencing overall productivity and the
occurrence of some new and/or rare organisms in the Adriatic.
The general water mass circulation in the Adriatic shows typical cyclonic movements.
Water masses inflow into the Adriatic along the eastern coast from the East
Mediterranean through the Strait of Otranto, and outflow along the western coast. That is
primarily due to geomorphological, meteorological and hydrographic characteristics. The
Adriatic Sea can be divided into three separate horizontal layers according to water mass
movement - the surface layer, the intermediate layer, and the deep water layer - with
relatively independent current systems, although, of course, these systems do interact.
Baroclinity differentiates between currents and vortices with pronounced seasonal
strength and occurrence, and between changes on a spatial scale in different seasons.
Winter conditions are characterised in the topmost 100 m of depth by a wide field of
north-west currents, probably connected with the intensive but shallow currents along the
western coast, while the coastal currents in other seasons, especially in autumn, form on
the eastern coast. Branches of intense currents occur on the western side of the Adriatic
basin, divided into three sub-basins in spring and summer. Autumn conditions show the
overall cyclonic circulation with the intensification of three cyclonic vortices in the sub-
basins. Due to those pronounced seasonal differences, inflow currents dominate in winter,
and outflow currents in summer, while in spring and autumn, when the horizontal water
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
11
density gradients are lower, neither current direction dominates, but rather, stronger
transversal currents occur between the eastern and western coasts. This seasonal rhythm
is further influenced, mostly positively, by winds - mistral in summer and sirocco in
winter. In the channel, coastal areas, the influence of winds and tidal currents is more
prominent. The inflow current is prevalent in the intermediate layer throughout the year,
but mostly in summer, when it appears as a compensating current for the outflow current
in the surface layer. Transversal currents between the eastern and western sides also
frequently appear in that layer. The least is known of the deep sea layer currents. Outflow
currents dominate, and are especially prevalent in winter, as compensating currents for
the increased water inflow in the surface and intermediate layers. Those waters are form
during the winter in the Adriatic as a result of mixing of the cold and heavy North
Adriatic water with the saltier water from the intermediate layer, and are very important
for the productivity of both the Adriatic and the entire Mediterranean.
The Adriatic Sea is classified as an oligotrophic sea, characterised by relatively low
productivity. However, due to the great diversity of its biocenoses, the Adriatic has a high
level of biodiversity and low level of population densities. The basic inflow of nutrients
into the Adriatic occurs via the rivers which raise the primary productivity.
Eutrophication is particularly pronounced in the North and Central Adriatic, where it
influences all the links in the food chain and ultimately leads to higher fish stock
quantities, especially in the North Adriatic. Due to that the Adriatic is considered as one
of the most productive areas of the Mediterranean when it comes to fishing.
In summer, when sea conditions are favourable (high temperatures; long calm periods
without wind; freshwater inflows; stratification separating the warmer water with lower
salinity from the deeper, saltier, colder and more productive water; ...), algal blooms can
often occur, which can cause hypoxia and anoxia. That can have negative or lethal effects
on demersal resources, primarily on sedentary species like molluscs, especially in North
Adriatic.
Being a part of the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea shares all the common properties
with the aforementioned, in the sense of geographic characteristics, available marine
resources and the intensity of their exploitation.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
12
DESCRIPTION OF THE FLEET AND SECTOR
The Croatian fishing fleet of purse seiners is active from Umag in the north to Dubrovnik
in the south. In spite of the indicated distribution of the fishing fleet, the majority of
fishing activities takes place from Istria to Middle Dalmatian Islands. According to
tradition, the Croatian purse seine fleet is mainly comprised of purse seiners catching
small pelagic species and using the light device in order to haul the fish nearer the
surface.
According to official data of the Republic of Croatia, there are 790 licences issued for
purse seine fishing (in addition to the 50 licences issued for ”tunara” purse seine nets).
The majority of the licences are those issued for “srdelara” purse seine net (488),
followed by licences issued for “ciplara” purse seine nets (124), “palamidara” purse seine
nets (85), sand ”oližnica” seine nets (57) and “igličara” purse seine nets (36). The
licences issued for purse seines by counties are shown in Figure 2.
number of licences issued for purse seiners by counties
Figure 2 The number of issued licences for purse seine fishing by a region or territorial
unit
Taking into account the different types of purse seiners (Table 1), certain differences are
obvious as to the number of licences by areas. It can be seen that the majority of licences
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
13
for “ciplara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-dalmatinska region, followed by
Šibensko-kninska and Dubrovačko-neretvanska region. The majority of licences for
“igličara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-dalmatinska region, followed by
Dubrovačko-neretvanska and Istarska region. The majority of licences for ”oližnica”
purse seiners has been issued in the field offices of Pula, Šibenik and Rijeka, whereas the
majority of licences for “palamidara” purse seiners has been issued in Splitsko-
dalmatinska region, Zadarska and Šibensko-kninska region. The majority of licences has
been issued for “srdelara” purse seiners, the majority of which has been issued in region
of Zadar, Splitsko-dalmatinska and Istarska region. In addition, it is important to
highlight that the total number of licences for purse seines issued does not correspond to
the number of vessels (sum of all the licences is higher than the number of vessels) in
respect of the fact that there is a large number of multi-purpose vessels (vessels with
more licences for different types of fishing gear). The number of active licences for purse
seine nets was 496 from 2008 to 2011 and they were distributed on 367 vessels. The
majority of licence holders used the sardine purse seine net on these vessels for more than
70% of active working days (273 vessels, Table 2).
Table 1 An overview of the number of licences for certain types of purse seine nets by
region or field offices
gear type Pula Rijeka Senj Zadar Šibenik Split Dubrovnik
“ciplara” purse seine
nets
21 2 1 11 34 43 12
“igličara” purse
seine nets
9 2 0 0 3 13 9
”oližnica” purse
seine nets
33 6 0 5 10 2 1
“palamidara” purse
seine nets
1 3 0 20 19 31 11
“srdelara” purse
seine nets
80 46 4 131 56 104 67
Table 2 The number of vessels holding an active licence used >50% or 70% of the total
number of fishing days in the period 2008 - 2011
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
14
Fishing gear type Number of vessels
(>50% days)
Number of vessels
(>70% days)
“tunara” purse seine nets 4 4
“srdelara” purse seine
nets
282 273
“palmidara” purse seine
nets
18 12
”oližnica” purse seine
nets
9 7
“igličara” purse seine
nets
10 8
“ciplara” purse seine
nets
31 25
1. SARDINE PURSE SEINE NET –“SRDELARA”
Technical characteristics and total catches
In the Republic of Croatia, 488 vessels have a licence for purse seine nets for small
pelagics. There were 193 active (with one working day at least) sardine purse seiners in
2008, 206 purse seiners in 2009, 245 of them were active in 2010, and 233 sardine purse
seiners were active in 2011.
The total catch of all purse seiners together (with the exception of „tunara „purse seiners)
was 64 019 t in 2011. Out of this number, 99.6% was realized by „srdelara“purse seiners,
and the other purse seiners realized less than 1% of the total catch.
In 2011 „srdelara“purse seiners caught the total amount of 63,735.9 t and the average
amount of 1.9 t/day was caught by an active vessel.
With respect of the fact that the size of the vessel has a considerable impact on the
amount of catch when it comes to „srdelara“purse seiners, average catches as per an
active vessel during the fishing day are classified according to the vessel length
categories (Table 3).
Table 3 The distribution of licences and active „srdelara“purse seiners according to
length groups of vessels in 2011
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
15
Vessel
length
Number
of
licences
Active
in
2011
Share in
the total
number
of
active
vessels
Average
Gt
Average
kW
Amount
of catch
(t)
Average
amount
of catch
(kg) /
day
Share
in the
total
catch
< 12
m
184 45 19.3 % 5.6 82.0 302.1 219.1 0.47
%
12 –
18 m
116 49 21.0 % 20.6 167.7 6,238.2 989.6 9.79
%
18 –
24 m
90 64 27.5 % 75.3 312.7 19,764.4 2,161.9 31.01
%
> 24
m
98 75 32.2 % 151.0 542.4 37,431.1 3,180.8 58.73
%
It is evident from Table 3 that vessels from 18 to 24 m and vessels of over 24 m
participate in the total catch of „srdelara“purse seiners in the percentage of 89.7%.
Although „srdelara“purse seine net fishing takes place in all fishing zones of the Republic
of Croatia, four fishing zones account for the largest amounts of catches (Figure 3). The
greatest catches by these purse seiners were made in fishing zone B (outer Northern
Adriatic), where catches make up an average of 41% of the total catches of small pelagics
made with this type of fishing gear . The average lowest catches of small pelagics have
been recorded in fishing zone H (EFPZ), whereas there were almost no catches in fishing
zone K during a four-year period.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
16
fishing zone
Figure 3 The annual distribution of the level of catch realized with purse seiners intended
for catching small pelagic fish by fishing zones during a four-year period (2008 – 2011)
Qualitative and quantitative catch compositions
Purse seine nets are the main fishing gear intended for small pelagics (Figure 4). The
share of the catch of small pelagics realized with another type of fishing gear was
extremely small. The share of sardines in the catches realized by other gear types, in the
period from 2008 to 2011, thus fluctuated from 1.1% (in 2008) to 0.1% (in 2009 and
2011), whereas the share for anchovies fluctuated from 0.3% (2008) to 0.1% (2011).
0
10
20
30
40
50
A B C D E F G H I J
Ribolovna zona
%
2008 2009 2010 2011
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
17
Anchovies; 22,78%;
Sardines; 71,75%
Other; 5,47%
Figure 4 The share of sardines and anchovies in the catches realized with purse seiners in
the fishing territory of the Republic of Croatia in 2011
The economic significance of sardines and anchovies in the Adriatic Sea is significant.
According to FAO data Fishstat+ from 2007, these two types of fish comprise 41% of the
total catch in the Adriatic.
The share of small pelagics in the total catches of the Republic of Croatia has fluctuated
from 84.5% (2008) to 91.6% (2011). The levels of sardine and anchovy catches varied in
the past (Figure 5). In the period between 1947 and 2011, the lowest amount of sardine
catches was recorded in 1959 and amounted to only 611 t, whereas the highest amount of
catch for the same period was realized in 2011 and amounted to 44 614 t. Such a high
level of the sardine catch was also recorded in the 1980s (1981 - 1989), when the amount
of sardine catches ranged from 31 487 t (1981) to 40 044 t (1983). The lowest value of
anchovy catches was realized in 1996, when it amounted to 220 t. As it is the case with
sardines, the greatest amount of anchovy catches was realized in 2011 and amounted to
14 163 t. By observing the catches of small oily fish in the Republic of Croatia, it should
be taken into account that the amount of catch was expectedly lower during the 1990s in
the midst of war and that the market has changed completely after this period, which
resulted in an increase of catches due to economic cost-effectiveness.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
18
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
1943 1949 1955 1961 1967 1973 1979 1985 1991 1997 2003 2009 2015
Godina
Ulo
v (
t)Srdela
Inćun
Catch (t)
Sardines
Anchovies
Year
Figure 5 The fluctuation of the level of sardine and anchovy catches realized in the
fishing territory of the Republic of Croatia in the period 1949 - 2011
On the basis of the recorded values, it has been noticed that the catches of these two
economically most important species vary both on the multi-annual and annual scale. The
monthly catches of sardines and anchovies in the fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia
in 2011 are shown in Figure 6. It can be thus seen that the largest catches of sardines were
realized in November (8 314 t), and the smallest were realized in June (2 021 t) with the
exception of December, when the low quantities of catches were the consequence of a
closed fishing season. On the other hand, it was in June that the anchovy catches recorded
the highest quantities (3 152 t).
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
19
anchovies sardines
January March May July September November
Month
Figure 6 The fluctuation of monthly quantities of sardine and anchovy catches realized
with purse seiners intended for catching small pelagics in 2011
Socio-economic indicators
Sardine purse seine fishing represents the most significant part of the Croatian fisheries
sector. The owners of trades, crafts and enterprises owning a vessel with a licence for
„srdelara“purse seine fishing are equally distributed along the entire Croatian coast and
on the islands, and represent an important economic activity of the rural areas of the
coastal region and the islands (Figure 7).
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
20
Figure 7 An overview of the distribution and concentration of the holders of licences for
„srdelara“purse seine fishing
The Croatian fishing fleet of the vessels authorized for fishing small pelagics is not
homogeneous in terms of its characteristics and its fishing capacity. If the fleet authorized
for „srdelara“purse seine fishing were looked upon in its entirety, it is a fleet comprised
of 299 vessels that were active, during the last four years, between 80 and 105 days per
year during which fishing took place. Smaller vessels (of up to 18 m), which are mostly
multi-purpose fishing vessels, participate with only 10%in the total catches employing
approximately 700 people. The category of vessels of 18-24 m make up 31% of the total
catches, employing approximately 550 people. In the category of vessels over 24 m,
somewhat less than 60% of the total catches is realized and approximately 650 people are
employed (Table 3). Significant oscillations in the percentage of active vessels and a
small number of days indicate a multi-purpose use of the vessels.
As regards the vessels whose catches are predominantly made using the „srdelara“purse
seines, an increase in the number of fishing days can be noticed during the last few years.
This is the result of a fall in the price of catches, which was mainly caused by a fall in the
amount of anchovies caught. The anchovy catches of class III and IV dominated in 2011,
whereas the anchovies of class I dominated in the previous years (The Ordinance on the
Marketing Standars for Certain Fishery Products, Official Gazette 37/2010; Table 4).
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
21
Figure 8 shows the structure of catches on the sample of 20% of the total catches in
Croatia in 2011 and Figure 9 shows the value of catches of a single vessel (24 m) and the
annual income distribution – the sardine income and the income from other species, as
well as the anchovy income.
Table 4 The size categories in accordance with the applicable law of the Republic of
Croatia
a) sardines
Size / class Kg / fish Number of fish
units / kg
I 0.067 15
II 0.042-0.067 16-24
III 0.028-0.042 25-35
IV 0.015-0.028 36-91
b) anchovies
Size / class Kg / fish Number of fish
units
I 0.033 30
II 0.020-0.033 31-50
III 0.012-0.20 51-83
IV 0.008-0.012 84-125
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
22
Adriatic sardines
Sardines of class II
Mixed fish (sardines, anchovies)
Anchovies
Anchovies of class I
Anchovies of class II
Anchovies of class III
Anchovies of class IV
Anchovies of class V
Turbot – body
Mackerel
Little tuna
Figure 8 The structure of small pelagics catches on the sample of 20% of the total
Croatian catches
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
23
HRK
Anchovy income Income from sardines and other species
Figure 9 The structure of the income from small pelagics catches per vessel (24 m) from
2009 to 2011
the percentage of catches sold for the purpose of processing
54,7%= the feeding of tuna
63,9%= the feeding of tuna anchovies sardines and other species total
Figure 10 An overview of the share of small pelagics catches sold for fish processing and
maricultural purposes
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
24
A considerable fluctuation of the income influenced by the structure of anchovy catches
is the result of a range of prices for anchovies and sardines on the Croatian market (Table
5). Small pelagics are mainly sold to fish processors and fish-farming establishments,
whereas a smaller amount is placed on the fresh fish market (Figure 10). The best price is
achieved on the fresh fish market, followed by the processing industry market, whereas
the lowest price is achieved through its placing on tuna fish-farming establishments.
Thus, for example, the price of sardines varies from HRK 2,5 to 4,0 per kg, with the
average processing price fluctuating at the level of around HRK 3,0, and when sold as
tuna feed it is set at the price of HRK 2,0-2,5.
Table 5 The average prices in terms of the number of fish units per kg in 2011
a) anchovies
No. of fish units/kg HRK
<38 12
38-40 10.5
41-45 9.75
46-50 6
51-55 3.35
56-60 2.25
b) sardines
No. of fish units/kg HRK
<36 3.3
37-40 3
41-45 2.7
46-50 2.5
The importance of the maintaining the size structure of anchovies caught can be
illustrated by simulating the change in the structure of anchovy catches by a reduction of
its share in classes V, IV and III and an equal increase in classes II and I, or the impact of
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
25
the change in the structure of anchovy catches on the total income can be seen (on the
sample of 20% of Croatian catches in 2011) (Figure 11).
income in HRK
Figure 11 An overview of the simulation of the impact of the change in the structure of
anchovy catches on the total income from catches approximately 12 000 tons of small
pelgic fish
With the economic indicators of the value of catches, the processing industry has an
important role. In the processing industry, 1 600 people are permanently employed and at
least 1 700 people are seasonal workers.
The caught fish is placed on the fresh fish market by part of the fleet comprised of small
vessels at economically sustainable prices. This mainly applies to the Northern Adriatic
fleet whose main part of small pelagics catches is placed on the fresh produce market and
is exported.
The analysis of the costs of fishing with „srdelara“purse seiners can be directly shown
only in terms of ships mainly or exclusively involved in this type of fishing. With the aim
of estimating the impact of the costs on the economic performance of fishing with
„srdelara“purse seine nets and its possible implications in terms of managing small
pelagics resources, a simulation was carried out of the catches that are necessary for
covering the costs (Table 6). For the needs of the simulation, the fixed costs were divided
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
26
into a simulated number of fishing days, and the relative costs were calculated into one
fishing day, and these values were summed up in order to calculate the cost of one fishing
day into several scenarios of the number of fishing days per year. The cost of a fishing
day was calculated into a daily amount of catches on the basis of the average price of
HRK 3.0 / kg. The simulation was carried out once again for the same vessels that are not
amortized in order to estimate the necessary daily amount of catches for the ships that are
amortized (Figures 12 and 13).
Table 6 An overview of the costs of two ships of a different length whose fishing
activities are carried out with „srdelara“purse seiners
Ship length 31 meter 21 meter Drive engine strength (kW) 537 324
Annual catch (kg) 895 000 430 000
Annual income (HRK) 2 625 000 1 300 000
Average price 2.9 3.0
Number of fishing days 195 174
Fixed costs
Salaries (HRK / year) 335 000 226 000
Maintenance of vessels
(HRK/year)
150 000 80 000
Old age pension insurance
and health insurance
(HRK/year)
218 000 120 000
Bookkeeping costs
(HRK/year)
30 000 30 000
Insurance (HRK/year) 70 000 50 000
Berth (HRK/year) 18 000 14 000
Amortization (HRK/year) 280 000 200 000
Other (HRK/year) 10 000 10 000
Total fixed costs
(HRK/year) 1 111 000 730 000
Variable costs
Fuel (HRK/year) 526 000 226 000
Maintenance of fishing gear
(HRK/year)
150 000 80 000
Marine supplement
(HRK/year)
487 000 310 000
Total variable costs
(HRK/year)
1 163 000 616 000
Total costs 2 274 000 1 346 000
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
27
number of fishing days
Figure 12 The average daily amount of catches necessary for the covering of costs
depending on the number of fishing days per year for ships that are not amortized (of the
length of 21 and 31 m)
number of fishing days
Figure 13 The average daily amount of catches necessary for the covering of costs
depending on the number of fishing days per year for ships that are not amortized (of the
length of 21 and 31 m)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
28
The linear dependence of the necessary average daily amount of catches and the average
price per kg of fish sold indicates the importance of achieving a change in the structure of
catches on the economic sustainability of fishing (Figure 14).
kg/day ship 20 m
number of fishing days
average price
HRK 3.20 HRK 3.50 HRK 3.70 HRK 4.00
Figure 14 The average daily amount of catches depending on the number of fishing days
depending on the average price of fish, for ships of the length of 20 m
The figures indicate a major impact of fixed costs on the minimum daily amount of small
pelagics catches, which makes it necessary to ensure a sufficient number of fishing days,
in order to be able to achieve the necessary average amount of catch. This explains the
relation of an increase in the amount of catches and fishing days in 2011 with a fall in the
size composition of the catch. On the other hand, the statistics of the income cannot
account for the income itself, since a significant amount of fish is sold to tuna fish-
farming establishments, which does not depend on the size composition of the catch.
Biological indicators
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
29
State of stock
The sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus
(Linnaeus, 1758) are widespread in the Adriatic Sea. It has been noticed that greater
numbers of sardines live in the Eastern Adriatic, whereas anchovies are more widely
present in the Western Adriatic. Just like other types of pelagic fish, sardines and
anchovies are migratory species. During their lifespan, sardines and anchovies gradually
migrate from the coastal to the open areas of the Adriatic Sea. Due to spawning, sardines
migrate to the coast during the colder part of the year, whereas anchovies migrate during
the warmer months.
The models estimating the biomass of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea include the
direct method of using the echo-sounder, statistical data on the catches and the collection
of biological parameters of the population, along with the inclusion of these data into the
indirect estimation methods – Virtual Population Analyses (VPA) and Integrated Catch
Analyses (ICA). The VPA and ICA methods are used for the reconstruction of the
biomass of the caught stock through the data on the catches and biological parameters
(length frequency, age structure, first sexual maturity, natural mortality). Since this is a
reconstruction of the state of stock, it is possible to estimate the state by using this
method only at the end of the year, or more precisely, in the upcoming year, when all the
data that are needed for this type of analysis are collected (the catches in the previous
year). The estimation of the biomass of both sardines and anchovies is carried out within
the framework of the project AdriaMed, and it includes the data of all the countries
involved in fishing for specific species, and the biomass of these two species is thus
obtained for the entire GSA 17 area, that is, for the stock exploited by Italy, Slovenia and
Croatia. So, it is not possible to observe stock biomasses separated by countries.
SARDINE BIOMASS ASSESSMENT
The total sardine biomass in the entire Adriatic varied greatly in the past. Small pelagics
biomass fluctuations are generally expected, since the species in question have short
lifespan and relatively high natural mortality coefficients, and their recruitment is
extremely dependant on environmental factors. Sardine biomass has constantly grown in
the last 10 years (Figure 15), although the size of the biomass is still not at the level of the
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
30
biomass of the 1980s. However, it should be taken into consideration that statistical data
as well as the analysis of all collected data changed during the collection period. In
addition, it is important to note that in 2011 catches on both sides of the Adriatic recorded
high values (Figure 16). Taking all of this into consideration, the current biomass of the
stock in the Adriatic Sea can be described as intermediate.
Figure 15 Estimated biomass of sardine in the Adriatic Sea (GSA 17; AdriaMed project,
2012)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
31
Figure 16 Sardine catch quantities of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia from 2000 to 2011
(AdriaMed, 2012).
ANCHOVY BIOMASS ASSESSMENT
The total anchovy biomass varied greatly in the past. The values of the estimated anchovy
biomass varied somewhat significantly in the last 10 years. From 2000 to 2005, the
anchovy biomass grew substantially, after which the values somewhat decreased and in
the past 3 years they have risen again (Figure 17). Generally speaking, from 2000 to 2011
the anchovy biomass records an increasing trend. Furthermore, since 2000 there has been
a substantial increase in anchovy catches on the eastern side of the Adriatic (the Republic
of Croatia and Slovenia) (Figure 18). Taking all of this into consideration, the status of
the anchovy stock in the Adriatic Sea is considered sustainable.
Figure 17 Estimated anchovy biomass quantity in the Adriatic Sea (GSA 17, AdriaMed
project, 2012)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
32
Figure 18 Anchovy catch quantities of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia from 2000 to 2011
(AdriaMed, 2012).
GOALS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR
SARDINE PURSE SEINE NETS
The goal of the management plan for „srdelara“purse seine nets is based on the
implementation of a precautionary approach to management, which is primarily reflected
in the retention of the current trends of biomass and recruitment of the species targeted
with this fishing gear.
The socio-economic goal is to maximize the revenue from fishing, as well as to provide
sufficient employment for participants fishing with this type of gear.
The biological goal is to keep fishing at or above the level necessary to maintain
productivity and recovery of exploited stocks.
Socio-economic goals
Despite the stability of the biomass, a drop in the average price of the catch results in an
economic need to increase the fishing effort. The situation is further complicated by the
fact that, due to its structure, a portion of the catch can only be marketed for tuna
farming, and only a part of the fleet has contracts for accessing this market.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
33
Consequently, there is a heterogeneous interest in the sector in the way in which
resources are being used:
Large vessels strive towards a greater number of fishing days to ensure minimal
cost and measures that will increase the possibility of reaching the required
average catch.
Vessels that have the ability to market tuna catches on tuna farms need to increase
the number of fishing days as the price is low by definition.
Vessels that sell their catch exclusively on the processing market strive towards a
catch structure that will ensure an increase in the average price of the catch, which
will then proportionally reduce the quantity of the required average catch.
It is in the interest of all the categories that the average allowed catch size be increased
and that, simultaneously, the minimum required average catch necessary for the
economic survival of the activity be reduced. This leaves more space for effective
measures regulating fishing.
From the aspect of the market and employment of rural residents, fleets consisting of
large vessels ensure a stable supply of raw material for the processing industry. On the
other hand, fleets of medium-sized and small vessels are very important for maintaining
employment in rural areas dependent on fishery. These data show the importance and
sensitivity of fleets of vessels smaller than 18 m, which due to their small share in the
catch do not present a significant factor in the exploitation of stocks. Considering the
number of participants and employees, survival should be secured for this category, and
this may be done through some milder fishing restriction measures. Therefore, in the
socio-economic sense, the goal of the plan is to increase the average profitability per
vessel within biological limits and possibilities. This could be achieved by harmonizing
the fishing effort with the indicators of the status of resources and, after taking into
account the indicators, by reducing the pressure on resources by providing opportunities
for the diversification of activities to those fishermen who are no longer engaged in this
type of fishing
Biological reference values
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
34
In the biological sense, the goal of the management plan for pelagic species exploited
with purse seine nets is to maintain the biomass levels of sardines and anchovies,
economically pivotal species, on a sustainable level, i.e. a level at which fishing will not
exert a negative influence on stock recovery. In order to establish certain limits, the
trends in the biomass quantity (obtained through the VPA and ICA methods, Figures 15
and 17) are compared with other values, such as exploitation level (E) and the trend of
recruitment. Only by considering the whole situation can there be given an objective
assessment of the state of a population (Figures 19 and 20). Also, there is need to take
into account that the levels of biomasses of these two species are result of fishing
activities and biological characteristics of different fleets operating in whole Adriatic Sea,
and by that, measurements and restrictions to one fishing fleet may not largely influence
entire status of the stock.
Figure 19 Reference values for sardines - trend of recruitment and exploitation level (with
Patterson's limit)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
35
Figure 20 Reference values for anchovies - trend of recruitment and exploitation level
(with Patterson's limit)
Goals and indicators
goal specific goal indicator
Biological: to keep
fishing at or above level
necessary to maintain
productivity and recovery
of exploited stocks
Directing the activities of the fleet
towards the achievement of safe
biological limits of sardine and
anchovy stocks, measured in
relation to Patterson's exploitation
level and trend of recruitment in
whole GSA 17.
Sardine biomass index
Anchovy biomass index
Exploitation level
Trend of recruitment
Economic: to improve
economic conditions
associated with the sector
Increasing the profitability of
vessels using „srdelara“purse
seine net
The average value of the
catch at first sale/vessel
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
36
Social: to provide
sufficient employment for
participants using this
type of fishing gear
Providing employment and
enabling the diversification of
activities for fishermen who are
no longer engaged in this type of
fishing
Number of participants in
fishery and fish-processing
industry
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED EFFECTS
The management measures contained in this plan take into account the status of resources
as well as the characteristics of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of Croatia,
and provide for the implementation of one or more of the following measures:
Permanent cessation of fishing
In order to harmonize the capacity with available resources, and bearing in mind the
general goal and indicators of the implementation of the plan, measures of capacity
reduction are planned to be implemented through buy-off of the licences and permanent
cessation of this activity either through transfer into another type of fisheries or leaving
fisheries entirey.
Temporary cessation of fishing
Bearing in mind the general goals and indicators of the implementation of the plan, an
emergency temporary cessation of fishing is envisaged in special situations affecting the
biomass, i.e. the sustainable development of target species.
Authorization
The authorization of participants in purse seine net fishing who have been fishing actively
in past years, i.e. granting fishing rights only to those holders of fishing licences that have
a historical record of catch, will ensure a sustainable level of their number and prevent an
increase in fishing capacity through the activation of old or the entry of new vessels in
this form of fishing.
Closed season
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
37
Prohibiting fishing for small pelagics (in all fishing seas of the Republic of Croatia, or
limiting the prohibition to spawning and maturation areas) for one month during the cold
seasons of the year, which would protect the sardine during its most intense spawning
period, as well as juvenile specimens of anchovy; and a one-month closed season during
the warm seasons of the year, which would protect the anchovy during its most intense
spawning period, as well as juvenile specimens of the sardine.
Special measures
Prohibiting purse seine net fishing two days prior and two days after the dark moon
period.
Minimum mesh size
The minimum mesh size of the „srdelara“purse seine net is 14 mm, which is in
accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.
Minimum catch size
In the Republic of Croatia, the minimum catch size is 11 cm for sardines and 10 cm for
anchovies. Both these values are in accordance with the minimum allowed catch sizes
specified in Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.
Closed areas
Closing areas identified as hatching and growing areas of target species during periods
defined as spawning periods. (A study that will determine hatching and growing areas of
these two species is currently being drafted.)
MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
The implementation of the management plan for „srdelara“purse seine nets will be
secured through monitoring according to DCR (group G1 according to EC 949/2008).
Monitored species are anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina
pilchardus). For the purpose of this monitoring, sardine and anchovy samples are taken
from commercial catches of „srdelara“purse seine nets. One part of the samples of the
two target species is taken directly on the vessel, i.e. at sea, while the other part comes
from the landing ports. According to the research plan, the sampling on vessels takes
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
38
place seasonally in four major fishing zones, in which the catch comprises 87.9% of the
total catch of pelagic fish. Total catch as well as the data relating to bycatch and
discarded catch are recorded on the vessels. A representative sample of sardines and
anchovies (≈ 8 kg of each) is bought from the vessel and subsequently processed in a
laboratory in order to obtain relevant data on the biology of the observed species. At
landing ports, the sampling is performed more frequently. Therefore, samples are taken
once every two months at one landing port in each of the six coastal counties. At the
landing port, the total catch of a given vessel and its structure is recorded and, based on
the representative sample of both target species (1 case of each), the length structure of
the catch is defined. Data relating to the quantity and type of catches as well as the
quantity and type of discarded catches is also recorded. Based on all the data collected, an
assessment of biomass quantity of the observed species is performed within AdriaMed,
i.e. for the entire GSA 17.
Apart from the biological data, the implementation of the plan will be monitored in the
socio-economic context based on the National Programme for Data Collection and its
economic module,. The indicators will also be available through the implementation of
different measures as per available financing mechanism in the framework of structural
measures.
The supervision of the implementation of the plan in its technical part (compliance with
the provisions) will be conducted by fisheries inspection and through appropriate
electronic data transmission systems (FMC). The competent authorities and resources
available for monitoring the compliance with the plan's provisions will be determined
immediately after the adoption of the plan.
SPECIAL ELEMENTS IN FISHING WITH SARDINE PURSE SEINE NETS
Council Regulation No. 1967/2006 Article 13.3 determines the conditions of usage of
purse seine nets whereby it is prohibited within 300 m from the shore or 50 m isobate if
the depth of 50 m is be reached at a shorter distance. The Article also defines the ratio
between the length and height of purse seine nets, according to which purse seine nets
cannot be used at depths of less than 70% of the total net height. For the Republic of
Croatia, this condition implies that a standard net of 120 meters cannot be used at depths
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
39
of less than 85 meters. Hydrological characteristics of the Adriatic Sea indicate that these
depths can be reached only at the middle of the Adriatic, in the area south of the Zadar-
Ancona line, which prevents most of the fleet from fishing with standard purse seine nets
in significant fishing areas. Indicators of the activity of the Croatian fishing fleet show
that great amounts of fish are caught in zones E, G and A (Figure 3), which are located in
the area where, according to this Regulation, it is prohibited to use purse seine nets of
standard height.
Figure 21 Bathymetric map of the Adriatic Sea
On the other hand, seining in the Republic of Croatia is implemented throughout the
fishing sea, which is bathymetrically varied - from the shallow shelf of the north Adriatic
to the deep slopes of central and south Adriatic (Figure 21). Therefore, most of the
commercial fleet is migratory; it fishes throughout the fishing sea of the Republic of
Croatia - vessels follow small pelagics which are by their biological characteristics
migratory. Should EC Regulation 1967/2006 strictly apply to fishermen who catch small
pelagics with purse seine nets, the vessels should have two or more purse seine nets of
different heights, which due to the size of the fishing vessels is not technically possible.
Moreover, seining is extremely selective. In a research from 2011, the bycatch of
„srdelara“purse seine nets was analysed, and the results are shown in Figure 22. A
bycatch share of 7.9% (8.7 t) was found in the 109.5 t total of the analysed catch.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
40
Figure 22 Bycatch quantities in „srdelara“purse seine net catches (PERIMON, 2011)
The predominant species in the total bycatch was the chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus)
with a 56.8% share (Figure 23). It was followed by the bogue (Boops boops, 14.8%), and
horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus and Trachurus trachurus, 10.1% and 9.9%).
The red mullet (Mullus barbatus) had the smallest bycatch share (0.01%).
Figure 23 Bycatch content of small oily fish purse seine nets 2011.
With regard to this issue, together with Italy and Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia
asked for the opinion of a group of independent experts who will prove the need for
exemption of Article 13 of EC Regulation 1967/2006 in the Adriatic Sea. This
opinion should be delivered in writing and enclosed with the management plan by
March 2013.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
41
2. OTHER PURSE SEINE NETS
Technical characteristics and catch characteristics of other purse seine nets
The so-called small purse seine nets (purse seine for mullets, needles and smelt) are
intended for catching mullets (Mugilidae), garfish (Belone belone) and smelt (Atherina
boyeri). Purse seine nets for garfish and smelt have a mesh size of 14 mm, while purse
seine nets for mullets have a mesh size of 26 mm. These purse seine nets work on the
same principle as those for sardines and the only difference is that they are smaller nets
that involve smaller fishing vessels and smaller catches, along with a much more
restricted fishing area.
The so-called large purse seine nets (Atlantic bonito and tuna) are intended for
catching bonito (Sarda sarda), bullet tuna (Auxis rochery), little tunny (Euthynnus
alletteratus), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Purse
seine nets for catching Atlantic bonito have a mesh size of 34 mm, while purse seine nets
for catching tuna have a mesh size of 40 mm. Those purse seine nets work on the same
principle as „srdelara“purse seine nets.
2.a. “CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE
The greatest catches using the “ciplara” purse seine can be achieved in the fishing zones
E, F and G. This net is not used at all in zones B, K, I and J (Figure 24). The reason for
the geographic limit of this tool lies in its dimensions and target species.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
42
Catch (kg)
Fishing zone
Figure 24. Annual distribution of catch using “ciplara” purse seine according to fishing
zones in the Republic of Croatia
In 2011, the total catch using this tool amounted to 53.4 tonnes by 43 vessels. A total of
124 vessels have the right to use this gear. However, the number of active participants
varies and, in principle, drops each year. Vessels that used this gear in 2011 were, on
average, 9.15 m in length, had 69.15 kW of engine power, and a tonnage of 6.09 GT. On
average, vessels with a “ciplara” purse seine, or vessels using it, are older than 35 years
(average year of construction: 1976), with the average power of around 75 kW and
tonnage of 6 GT.
The “ciplara” purse seine accounts for less than 0.1 % of the total catch in the Republic of
Croatia, and most of the catch consists of mullet and Salema porgy.
Table 7. Mullet purse seine catch in 2011
Species Catch in kg
% of total catch using
this fishing net
% of total catch of the
species
Mullet 22,348.00 41.88 10.76
Salema
porgy 6,088.40 11.41 9.37
0
5.000
10.000
15.000
20.000
25.000
30.000
A B C D E F G
Ribolovna zona
Ulo
v (
kg
)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
43
The total catch made using this gear of the targeted species is up to 10.76 % for mullet
(Table 7).
This gear is restricted for use in a narrow eulittoral belt, primarily because the vessels
using this net are restricted in their operation to the inner fishing sea and zone A, where
mullets constitute over 90 % of catch using this gear.
Vessels using this gear belong to the category of small vessels for commercial fishing in
accordance with the definition set out in Council Regulation No. 1198/2006.
Having regard to the extremely limited number of vessels using this gear, as well as the
number of vessels with the right to use this gear, the value of their catch does not
represent a significant element in the total catch value of the Republic of Croatia at first
sales (less than 1 %). The significance of this gear lies in its social, rather than economic
value.
Since the catch of mullet and Salema porgy in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200
tonnes per year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and
assessment for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments
nor biological parameters that can be based on scientific results.
Due to the specificities of this gear and pursuant to Article 13.5 of Council Regulation
No. 1967/2006, the Republic of Croatia requests to be exempt from the provisions of
Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which these nets may
be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and does not
have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target immature individuals, and
does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the implementation
of this management plan.
The species exploited by this gear do not have a defined minimum catch size in
accordance with Annex III to Council Regulation No. 1967/2006, and the restricted use
of this gear, as well as the composition of the catch, restrict its impact on the stock and
the resources as a whole.
AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF “CIPLARA” PURSE SEINE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
44
The aim of the mullet purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of this gear
on the stocks of species exploited on the same levels as it is today.
The socio-economic aim is to ensure the continuation of this activity with regard to the
traditional dimension of this type of fishing.
Biological reference values
The Republic of Croatia does not have the information of biological reference values for
species caught by this gear, and will apply a precautionary approach in the management
of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan. Moreover, in the
period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of Croatia will take
the necessary measures for the relevant biological parameter for the most significant
species caught by this tool to be calculated and applied to the plan.
Aims and indicators
Aim Specific aim Indicator and quantification
Biological: to maintain
fishing on or above the
level necessary for the
replenishment of the
exploited stocks
To maintain the fleet
activities within the current
limits, with regard to a
small impact on the
resource
Mortality parameters and
biomass indices for the key
species – to maintain the
impact on this tool on the
parameters on the same level as
today or, if possible, with a
reduction of 5 %. The
parameters will be developed
under the data collection
programme.
Economic: to enable a
greater return through
diversification of activities
To increase the capacity of
marketing the catch
through multiple sales
outlets
The total value of catch made
using this gear – increase by 5
%
Social: to ensure a
continuation of the activity
in the scope present today
Number of fishing licences –
no change or reduction of 5 %
Number of active vessels – no
change
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
45
The management measures contained in this plan take into consideration the status of
resources, as well as the characteristic of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of
Croatia. They also provide for the application of one or more of the following measures:
Permanent cessation of fishing activities
With the aim of harmonising the capacities with the available resources, and taking into
consideration the general aims and plan implementation indicators, a provision has been
made for reducing the capacity through a permanent vithdrawal of licences and vessels.
This measure is provided as one of the mechanism, but a significant reduction of the
number of active vessel is not foreseen, taking into consideration the traditional character
of this type of fishing.
Authorisation
By authorising fishing participants who use these purse seine nets and who have been
fishing actively in the past few years, i.e. by approving the possibility of fishing only for
licence holders with a historical record of their catch, a provision is made for maintaining
a sustainable number, as well as for preventing an increase in the fishing capacity through
the activation of other vessels or introduction new ones into this form of fishing.
Minimal mesh size
The minimum mesh size of “ciplara” purse seine nets is 26 mm, in accordance with
Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.
Minimum catch size
The minimum catch size for the most significant species caught using this tool are laid
down by Croatian legislation, and is 16 cm for golden grey mullet, thicklip grey mullet,
sharpnose mullet and thinlip mullet, and 20 mm for striped mullet.
MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
The monitoring of plan implementation as regards the technical aspect (compliance with
the provisions) will be implemented by fisheries inspection and the appropriate electronic
data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources available for
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
46
the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be determined once the
plan has been adopted.
2.b. “IGLIČARA” AND ”OLIŽNICA” PURSE SEINE
36 vessels are licensed for fishing using the “igličara” purse seine, while 5 of them (13.89
%) were active in 2011. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was used in more
than 50 % of their fishing days by a total of 10 vessels, and in more of than 70 % of their
fishing days by a total of 8 vessels (Table 2).
In 2011, the total catch amounted to 7,175.5 kg. The proportion of needle fish in the total
catch of 2011 amounted to 18.19 %.
57 vessels are licensed for “oližnica” purse seine. In 2011, 29.82 %, or 17 vessels, were
active. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was used in more than 50 % of
their fishing days by a total of 9 vessels, and in more of than 70 % of their fishing days by
a total of 7 vessels (Table 2).
In 2011, the total catch of this purse seine nets amounted to 112,149.9 kg. The proportion
of smelt in the total catch of 2011 amounted to 0.78 %. The main proportion of catch
consisted of mullet (59.83 %).
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
47
Catch (kg)
Fishing zone
Figure 24. Distribution of annual level of catch made using “igličara” purse seine by
fishing zones in the Republic of Croatia in 2011.
Catch (kg)
Fishing zone
Figure 25. Distribution of annual level of catch made using “oližnica” purse seine by
fishing zones in the Republic of Croatia in 2011.
The usage of these gears is restricted to a narrow eulittoral zone, primarily because
vessels using these nets are restricted in their operation to the area of the inner fishing sea
and zones G or A (Figures 24 and 25).
0
20.000
40.000
60.000
80.000
100.000
120.000
A B C D E F G
Ribolovna zona
Ulo
v (
kg
)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
48
Vessels using these gears belong to the category of small vessels for commercial fishing
in accordance with the definition set out in Council Regulation No. 1198/2006.
With regard to the extremely limited number of vessels using this gear, as well as the
number of vessels with the right to use this gear, the value of their catch does not
represent a significant element in the total catch value of the Republic of Croatia at first
sale (less than 1 %). The significance of this tool lies in its social, rather than economic
value.
Since the catch of smelt and needle in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200 tonnes per
year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and assessment
for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments nor biological
parameters that can be based on scientific advice.
Due to the specificities of this gear and pursuant to Article 13.5 of Council Regulation
No. 1967/2006, the Republic of Croatia requests to be exempt from the provisions of
Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which this purse seine
nets may be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and
does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target undersized
individuals, and does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the
implementation of this management plan.
The species exploited by this gear do not have a defined minimum catch size in
accordance with Annex III to Council Regulation No. 1967/2006, and the restricted use
of this gear, as well as the composition of the catch, restrict its impact on the stock and
the resources as a whole. The Republic of Croatia plans to include these three species in
list of species for which the biological data will continue to be collected in 2014 in the
framework of the implementation of this plan, regardless of the total catch thereof.
AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE “IGLIČARA” AND ”OLIŽNICA”
PURSE SEINE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The aim of the these purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of these
gears on the stocks of the species exploited at same levels as it is today.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
49
The socio-economic aim is to ensure the continuation of this activity with regard to the
traditional dimension of this type of fishing.
Biological reference values
The Republic of Croatia does not have the information of biological reference values for
species caught by these gears, and will apply a precautionary approach in the
management of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan.
Moreover, in the period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of
Croatia will take the necessary measures to calculate and apply to the plan the relevant
biological parameter for the most significant species caught by these gears..
Aims and indicators
Aim Specific aim Indicator and quantification
Biological: to maintain
fishing on or above the
level necessary for the
replenishment of the
exploited stocks
To maintain the fleet
activities within the current
limits, with regard to a
small impact on the
resource
Mortality parameters and
biomass indices for the key
species – to maintain the
impact on this tool on the
parameters on the same level
as today or, if possible, with a
reduction of 5 %. The
parameters will be developed
under the data collection
programme.
Economic: to enable a
greater return through
diversification of activities
To increase the capacity of
marketing the catch
through multiple sales
outlets
The total value of catch made
using this tool – increase by 5
%
Social: to ensure a
continuation of the activity
in the scope present today
Number of fishing licences –
no change or reduction of 5 %
Number of active vessels – no
change
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
The management measures contained in this plan take into consideration the status of
resources, as well as the characteristic of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of
Croatia. They also provide for the application of one or more of the following measures:
Permanent cessation of fishing activities
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
50
With the aim of harmonising the capacities with the available resources, and taking into
consideration the general aims and plan implementation indicators, a provision has been
made for reducing the capacity through a permanent vithdrawal of licences and vessels.
This measure is provided as one of the mechanism, but a significant reduction of the
number of active vessel is not foreseen, taking into consideration the traditional character
of this type of fishing.
Authorisation
By authorising fishing participants who use these purse seine nets and who have been
fishing actively in the past few years, i.e. by approving the possibility of fishing only for
licence holders with a historical record of their catch, a provision is made for maintaining
a sustainable number, as well as for preventing an increase in the fishing capacity through
the activation of other vessels or introduction new ones into this form of fishing.
Minimum mesh size
The minimum mesh size of “igličara” and “oližnica” purse seine nets is 14 mm, in
accordance with Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.
Minimum catch size
The minimum catch size for the most significant species caught using these gears are laid
down neither by the Croatian legislation nor Regulation (EZ) No. 1967/2006.
MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
The plan implementation monitoring as regards the technical aspect (compliance with the
provisions) will be implemented by the competent inspection body and the appropriate
electronic data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources
available for the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be
determined once the plan has been adopted.
2.c. ”PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE
36 vessels own concessions for fishing using the “palamidara” purse seine, while 85 of
them (40 %) were active in 2011. In the period between 2008 and 2011, this gear was
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
51
used in more than 50 % of their fishing days by a total of 18 vessels, and in more of than
70 % of their fishing days by a total of 12 vessels (Table 2).
In 2011, the total catch amounted to 109,651.6 kg. This tool is intended for catching
Atlantic bonito and similar species. The proportion of Atlantic bonito in the total catch of
2011 amounted to 10.77 %, while the proportion of greater amberjack in the total catch of
this gear amounted to 36.99 %.
Although the operation of this tool is not restricted to the narrow eulittoral belt, it is used
by an extremely small number of vessels (Table 2), which are primarily situated on
remote islands, and which represent a significant socio-economic component of the local
population.
Catch (kg)
Fishing zone
Figure 26. Distribution of annual level of catch made using ”palamidara” purse seine by
fishing zones in the Republic of Croatia in 2011.
Since the catch of Atlantic bonito in the Republic of Croatia is less than 200 tonnes per
year, meaning the absence of the obligation of systematic data collection and assessment
for these species, there exist, as of yet, neither scientific stock assessments nor biological
parameters that can be based on scientific advice.
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
52
Due to the specificities of this gear and pursuant to Article 13.5 of Council Regulation
No. 1967/2006, the Republic of Croatia requests to be exempt from the provisions of
Article 13.3 as regards the distance from the coast and the depth on which this purse seine
nets may be used. The use of this gear is restricted to a certain number of vessels, and
does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem (it does not target undersized
individuals, and does not touch Possidonia beds). Its further use will be regulated by the
implementation of this management plan.
The species exploited by this gear do not have a defined minimum catch size in
accordance with Annex III to Council Regulation No. 1967/2006, and the restricted use
of this gear, as well as the composition of the catch, restrict its impact on the stock and
the resources as a whole.
AIMS AND REFERENCE VALUES OF THE ”PALAMIDARA” PURSE SEINE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The aim of the ”palamidara” purse seine management plan is to maintain the impact of
this gear on the stocks of species exploited on the same levels as it is today.
The socio-economic aim is to ensure the continuation of this activity with regard to the
traditional dimension of this type of fishing.
Biological reference values
The Republic of Croatia does not have the information of biological reference values for
species caught by this gear, and will apply a precautionary approach in the management
of this resource by implementing the measures set out in this Plan. Moreover, in the
period of the implementation and revision of the plan, the Republic of Croatia will take
the necessary measures to calculate and apply to the plan the relevant biological
parameter for the most significant species caught by this gear..
Aims and indicators
Aim Specific aim Indicator and quantification
Biological: to maintain
fishing on or above the
level necessary for the
replenishment of the
To maintain the fleet
activities within the current
limits, with regard to a
small impact on the
Mortality parameters and
biomass indices for the key
species – to maintain the
impact on this tool on the
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
53
exploited stocks resource parameters on the same level
as today or, if possible, with a
reduction of 5 %. The
parameters will be developed
under the data collection
programme.
Economic: to enable a
greater return through
diversification of activities
To increase the capacity of
marketing the catch
through multiple sales
outlets
The total value of catch made
using this tool – increase by 5
%
Social: to ensure a
continuation of the activity
in the scope present today
Number of fishing licences –
no change or reduction of 5 %
Number of active vessels – no
change
MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT
The management measures contained in this plan take into consideration the status of
resources, as well as the characteristic of the fleet and fishing activities in the Republic of
Croatia. They also provide for the application of one or more of the following measures:
Permanent suspension of fishing
With the aim of harmonising the capacities with the available resources, and taking into
consideration the general aims and plan implementation indicators, a provision has been
made for reducing the capacity through a permanent vithdrawal of licences and vessels.
This measure is provided as one of the mechanism, but a significant reduction of the
number of active vessel is not foreseen, taking into consideration the traditional character
of this type of fishing.
Authorisation
By authorising fishing participants who use these purse seine nets and who have been
fishing actively in the past few years, i.e. by approving the possibility of fishing only for
licence holders with a historical record of their catch, a provision is made for maintaining
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
54
a sustainable number, as well as for preventing an increase in the fishing capacity through
the activation of other vessels or introduction new ones into this form of fishing.
Minimum mesh size
The minimum mesh size of ”palamidara” purse seine nets is 34 mm, in accordance with
Council Regulation No. 1967/2006.
Minimum catch size
The minimum allowed catch sizes for the most significant species caught using this tool
are laid down by the Croatian legislation, and are 45 cm for greater amberjack and 45 cm
for Atlantic bonito.
MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
The plan implementation monitoring as regards the technical aspect (compliance with the
provisions) will be implemented by the competent inspection body and the appropriate
electronic data transmission system (FMC). The competent authorities and resources
available for the monitoring of compliance with the provisions of the plan will be
determined once the plan has been adopted.
2.d. “TUNARA” PURSE SEINE
For ”tunara” purse seine, the fishing plan, capacity plan and inspection plan apply, as
adopted under the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
(ICCAT).
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
55
Annexes:
Annex 1: List of designated ports (to be submitted at a later date after the decision is
adopted)
Annex 2: List of vessels authorized for purse seine fishing (to be submitted at a later date
after the decision is adopted)
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PURSE SEINE NETS – DRAFT – FOR INTERNAL
USE ONLY
56