European Commission 5 September 2016, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118 of 5 September 2016 establishing fisheries conservation measures for the protection of the marine environment in the North Sea

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This Regulation establishes fisheries conservation measures in the North Sea to comply with Union environmental obligations under Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2008/56/EC. It prohibits fishing with mobile bottom contacting gear in designated reef zones (Areas 1) and all fishing activities in bubbling reef zones (Areas 2), while mandating the use of automatic identification systems (AIS) for vessels in the Bratten marine protected area. Member States with a direct management interest are required to assess compliance and submit implementation reports to the Commission by mid-2017.AI