(1)

Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 lays down specific provisions regarding technical measures at regional level for Union waters in the North Western Waters.

(2)

Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 was amended by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2324 (2) as regards remedial measures to reduce by-catch of cod and whiting in the Celtic Sea and additional selectivity measures aiming to reduce gadoid bycatches in the Irish Sea. The measures concerned, aiming to help achieving the objectives of conservation measures, the multiannual plans and the discard plan in the North Western Waters, were subsequently updated and prolonged during one year by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2588 (3), which expires at the end of 2023.

(3)

The remedial measures for stocks with biomass at levels below Blim foreseen under Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2019/472 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) (multiannual plan for the Western Waters) remain necessary to ensure rapid return of the stock or functional unit concerned to levels above those capable of producing MSY. Therefore, the remedial measures currently in force through Regulation (EU) 2022/2588 should be extended for one year, in order to continue optimising exploitation patterns, increase gear selectivity and reduce unwanted catches.

(4)

Following a request submitted by official letter from the North Western Waters Member States Regional Group on 13 September 2023, the technical measures set out in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 for certain demersal and pelagic fisheries in the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea and the West of Scotland should be prolonged until the end of 2024.

(5)

As the measures provided for in this Regulation have a direct impact on the planning of the fishing-season planning of Union vessels and on related economic activities, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication. Since the date of application of the measures adopted under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2588 expires on 31 December 2023, this Regulation should apply with effect from 1 January 2024 in order to ensure legal continuity.

(6)

The measures introduced by this Regulation applicable to Union waters are in pursuit of the objectives set out in Article 494(1) and (2) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part (5) and have regard to the principles referred to in Article 494(3) of that agreement. They are without prejudice to any measures applicable in waters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

(7)

Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 should therefore be amended accordingly,