First cycle River Basin Management Plans under our control?
CCB • September 7, 2009
The European Community has faced the important challenges to recover the good status of water bodies by 2015, as required by the Water Framework Directive. Water in rivers, estuaries and coasts will hopefully improve under measures set up in the River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) drawn up for river basin districts across Europe.
Read the article by CCB Water Policy Officer Anna Smolka, on her experience from the RBMP planning process.
Widespread exploitation of the critically endangered European eel population continues against scientific advice, despite few signs of recovery. Yesterday, the International Exploration of the Sea, ICES, published its scientific advice on fishing opportunities and conservation for European eel for 2026. As in previous years, ICES advises zero catch for all life stages, all uses and in all habitats. The conservation advice is to reduce other human-related mortalities to zero and restore habitats.
EU Council decision on 2026 fishing limits fails to implement legally required safeguards, jeopardising the fragile marine ecosystem