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EVALUATION ROADMAP |
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title of the evaluation |
Interim evaluation of the open methods of coordination for the sustainable development of EU Aquaculture. |
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lead dg – responsible unit |
DG MARE.A.2 |
date of this roadmap (quarter/year) |
21/06/2017 |
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type of evaluation |
Interim Evaluation |
planned start date planned completion date (quarter/year) |
03 / 2017 04 / 2018 |
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Planning calendar |
http://ec.europa.eu/smart-regulation/evaluation/index_en.htm |
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This indicative roadmap is provided for information purposes only and is subject to change. |
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A. Purpose |
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(A.1) Purpose |
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The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) set up a voluntary process for cooperation to promote the sustainable development of EU aquaculture I . Under the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), cooperation between Member States is based on Strategic Guidelines II , on Multiannual National Strategic Plans on aquaculture (MANPs) and on exchange of good practices . The evaluation aims to assess both national and EU efforts to promote the development of the sector. In addition, it intends to inform Member States, stakeholders and the public on the OMC achievements in the aquaculture sector. The evaluation results can contribute to improving the implementation of the OMC and provide evidence for preparing the subsequent programming period. |
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(A.2) Justification |
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Although not required by the CFP Basic Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, an interim evaluation of the implementation of the OMC can provide useful information in order to continue developing evidence-based policy for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture. Depending on the results, the evaluation might lead to revised EU Strategic Guidelines for better guidance in the second period of implementation if necessary. |
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B. Content and subject of the evaluation |
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(B.1) Subject area |
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Ensuring the sustainable growth of the EU aquaculture sector is a key part of our efforts to reduce pressure on wild stocks. Even at Maximum Sustainable Yield levels, fisheries alone cannot satisfy our growing demand for seafood. Sustainable aquaculture products can contribute to meet this demand and alleviate pressure on wild stocks. The development of aquaculture has been stagnating in the EU. This has been attributed to time consuming administrative licensing procedures at national and local level, a lack of dedicated space, the need for an enhanced competitiveness and the need to better exploit EU aquaculture's competitive advantages. In this context, the OMC represents a participatory tool for sharing experience and good practices in order to meet the CFP overall strategic goal. |
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(B.2) Original objectives of the intervention |
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The OMC aims to develop a mutual learning process: Member States have the opportunity to exchange good practices and information, and to cooperate among themselves. The Strategic Guidelines set four general, common objectives for all Member States, which are then adapted to national regional and local realities by each Member State in their respective MANP. The four common objectives are: (1) Simplifying administrative procedures, (2) developing coordinated spatial planning, (3) enhancing the competitiveness of EU aquaculture, (4) promoting a level playing field for EU operators. Ultimately, sustainable aquaculture development should contribute to food supply while alleviating pressure on wild stocks and supporting employment growth. |
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(B.3) How the objectives were to be achieved |
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The OMC together with EU legislation, guidance documents and financial support such as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and Research and Innovation funds are meant to provide a framework for sustainable aquaculture development. The OMC provides the basis for national strategy development and for coordinating policies between EU Member States. This voluntary process aims at giving practical answers to the challenges identified by the Member States and stakeholders in there MANPs. It involves concerted action between EU and national policies in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity. The exchange of good practices helps inspire and implement national actions, define the need for guidance documents on EU law and find more efficient ways to implement it. By ensuring consistency between national actions in the MANPs and the national operational programmes (OPs) under the EMFF, the OMC also helps ensure that EMFF spending is targeted towards actions that contribute to the national policy objectives.
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C. Scope of the evaluation/FC |
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(C.1) Topics covered |
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This interim evaluation of the OMC for promoting sustainable EU aquaculture will focus on the period 2013-2017. The evaluation shall include all OMC tools: Strategic Guidelines, implementation of MANPs, exchange of good practices. The evaluation will identify stronger and weaker sides of the process and discuss how the different aspects of its functioning could be improved and the overall effectiveness and preliminary impacts of the OMC strengthened. This evaluation will cover all Member States, except Luxembourg. |
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(C.2) Issues to be examined |
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(C.3) Other tasks |
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N.A. |
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D. Evidence base |
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(D.1) Evidence from monitoring |
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The evaluators will be able to rely on Eurostat, Data Collection Framework data and EUMOFA data, as well as FAO and national data if needed. However, it should be noted that available data on production volume and value will likely not yet record impacts of actions taken in the context of the OMC: the production cycle of most aquaculture species is 2-3 years, so any additional production resulting from a new licence will only reach the market around 3 years after the licence is granted. The 2016 STECF Economic report on the EU aquaculture sector will therefore be used as a baseline rather than a result indicator. |
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(D.2) Previous evaluations and other reports |
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The conclusions from these evaluations will form the starting point (avoid duplication) for the evaluators: - CFP reform consultation : Results of consultation and how it was taken into account in new CFP - Impact assessment and supporting studies on the current CFP, including markets . - Impact assessment EMFF of different options for the design of the financial support to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) - 27 EMFF OPs as well as the yearly AIR of each MS concerning UP2 - Court of auditors report on aquaculture (2014): Limitations of EFF to support aquaculture - The STECF Economic report on the EU aquaculture sector (2016) (STECF 16-19) - Eurobarometer report on Consumer Habits Regarding Fishery and Aquaculture Products (2017) and the complementary EUMOFA analysis - FAME analysis and summary of MANPs - Mid-term review of Member States' Multiannual National Plan, if available |
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(D.3) Evidence from assessing the implementation and application of legislation (complaints, infringement procedures) |
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None |
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(D.4) Consultation |
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The consultation activities will target relevant stakeholders having an interest in aquaculture development: aquaculture producers (organisations), environmental NGOs, public administrations (national, regional and local authorities) and consumers (organisations). The consultation activities will include an open, internet-based consultation of 12 weeks duration will be part of the evaluation. It will be launched with the support of external experts during the 2rd quarter 2018 through the publication of a survey on a dedicated stakeholder consultation webpages of the Commission and Directorate-General Maritime Affaires and Fisheries . A targeted consultation will be carried out with national administrations responsible for coordination the implementation of the Multiannual National Plan in the Member States during the 6th technical seminar (1st quarter 2018). A conference targeting Regional and local authorities of the Members States will also be part of the consultation activities. The conference shall take place during the first quarter 2018. |
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(D.5) Further evidence to be gathered |
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N.A. |
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E. Other relevant information/ remarks |
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N.A.