Tasks of Advisory Councils
Article 44
1. When applying this Regulation, the Commission shall, where relevant, consult the Advisory Councils. 2. Advisory Councils may: (a) submit recommendations and suggestions on matters relating to the management of fisheries and the socio-economic and conservation aspects of fisheries and aquaculture to the Commission and to the Member State concerned, and, in particular, recommendations on how to simplify rules on fisheries management; (b) inform the Commission and Member States of problems relating to the management and the socio-economic and conservation aspects of fisheries and, where appropriate, of aquaculture in their geographical area or field of competence and propose solutions to overcome those problems; (c) contribute, in close cooperation with scientists, to the collection, supply and analysis of data necessary for the development of conservation measures. If an issue is of common interest to two or more Advisory Councils, they shall coordinate their positions with a view to adopting joint recommendations on that issue. 3. Advisory Councils shall be consulted on joint recommendations pursuant to Article 18. They may also be consulted by the Commission and by Member States in respect of other measures. Their advice shall be taken into account. Those consultations shall be without prejudice to the consultation of STECF or other scientific bodies. The opinions of the Advisory Councils may be submitted to all Member States concerned and to the Commission. 4. The Commission and, where relevant, the Member State concerned shall reply within two months to any recommendation, suggestion or information received pursuant to paragraph 1. Where the final measures that are adopted diverge from the Advisory Councils' opinions, recommendations and suggestions received pursuant to paragraph 1, the Commission or the Member State concerned shall state detailed reasons for the divergence.