Establishment of fish stock recovery areas
Article 8
1. The Union shall, while taking due account of existing conservation areas, endeavour to establish protected areas due to their biological sensitivity, including areas where there is clear evidence of heavy concentrations of fish below minimum conservation reference size and of spawning grounds. In such areas fishing activities may be restricted or prohibited in order to contribute to the conservation of living aquatic resources and marine ecosystems. The Union shall continue to give additional protection to existing biologically sensitive areas. 2. For those purposes, Member States shall identify, where possible, suitable areas which may form part of a coherent network and shall prepare, where appropriate, joint recommendations in accordance with Article 18(7) with a view to the Commission submitting a proposal in accordance with the Treaty. 3. The Commission may be empowered in a multiannual plan to establish such biologically sensitive protected areas. Article 18(1) to (6) shall apply. The Commission shall report regularly to the European Parliament and to the Council on protected areas.