New regulations on margin of tolerance for fishing logbooks. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently published a new Fisheries Information Notice (FIN) to help prepare industry members for changes to the margin of tolerance rules for the recording of fish which enter into force on the 10th July 2024. The FIN can be accessed on sfpa.ie.*
This FIN explains the updates to margin of tolerance under Regulation (EU) 2023/2842, which amends the existing Control Regulation (Regulation No 1224/2009).** The margin of tolerance is the difference between the estimated quantity of species recorded by the master in the fishing logbook (estimated live-weight) and the actual weight of the species once weighed and converted to live-weight (live-weight equivalent). The permitted margin of tolerance under the Control Regulation is currently set at 10% for all species. From the 10th July 2024, the margin of tolerance will increase to 20% for species with a live-weight equivalent (LWE) of 100kg or less.
Additionally, 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 that applies to these fisheries depends on whether they are landed into a listed or non-listed port. The requirements for ports to become listed are detailed in the new Implementing Regulation 2024/1474. No European Union ports have been listed to date. Further information will be provided pending any approval by the European Commission to list ports within the jurisdiction of the Irish State.
Ireland’s electronic logbooks (ieCatch) will be updated to reflect these new rules following their entry into force on the10th July. The SFPA will communicate with all electronic logbook users regarding these updates when they take place.
All vessel operators should familiarise themselves with the new margin of tolerance rules in advance of the implementation date.
*The FIN can be accessed on the SFPA website or by clicking on the following link: : Sea Fisheries Protection Authority > Search (sfpa.ie)
** This FIN explains the updates to margin of tolerance under Regulation 2023/2842 – which amends the existing Control Regulation (Regulation No 1224/2009) – and outlines the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1474 (which lays down the rules for the application of Article 14(4), point (a) of the Control Regulation).