Bringing together stakeholders for sustainable North Sea fisheries

OUR AIMS

One of 11 European sea-basin Advisory Councils, the NSAC works towards integrated and sustainable management of North Sea fisheries through engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to produce targeted advice on a range of topics. Our advice is developed through discussion and iterative working, and placed in the wider context of marine environmental sustainability. 

Through preparing and providing advice on the management of North Sea fisheries, we promote the objectives of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and ensure stakeholders’ voices are heard in how policies are implemented and assessed. All our work centres around the attainment of sustainable fisheries, incorporating and ecosystem-based approach, and utilising the precautionary principle for management.

WHAT WE DO

Find consensus

We work collaboratively with broad stakeholder groups to - wherever possible - develop clear, consensus advice on key fisheries issues.

Provide advice

We assess policies and regulations, providing stakeholder-led views to aid their implementation and refinement.

Support projects

We contribute to research projects that investigate issues pertinent to the sustainable environmental, social and economic management of the North Sea.

HOW WE WORK

The NSAC supports the European Commission in providing advice on issues relevant to the North Sea.

European Commission
Executive Committee
Demersal Working Group
Ecosystem Working Group
Kattegat and Skagerrak Working Group
Focus Groups
Focus Groups
Focus Groups

OUR MEMBERS

The NSAC is a membership organisation that enables stakeholder involvement in fisheries management at a regional level.

In line with all Advisory Councils, the NSAC’s membership comprises 60% fishing industry representatives (including representatives from the supply chain, such as processing interests) and 40% ‘other interest groups’ or OIGs. These OIGs are a range of environmental organisations with interest in the sustainable management of fisheries. 

Non-members may attend meetings as ‘observers’, and the NSAC regularly invites scientists, officials and others as guests to observe meetings or present on their work. 

View our members

Contact Us

The NSAC prepares and provides advice on the management of fisheries in the North Sea on behalf of its members; fisheries organisations and other stakeholders including environmental organisations. If you are interested in joining the NSAC, or finding out more about our work, get in touch.

Contact Us