North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission facts for kids
The North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) is an important group that helps manage fishing in a large part of the North East Atlantic Ocean. Think of it like a rule-maker for fishing in seas such as the North Sea, the Irish Sea, the Nordic Seas, the Barents Sea, and the White Sea. Its main goal is to make sure that fish populations stay healthy for a long time. This helps both the environment and the people who rely on fishing for their jobs.
NEAFC was created in 1980. It was set up by an agreement called the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in Northeast Atlantic Fisheries. Before this, there was an older group with the same name. The NEAFC's main aim is to protect fish and make sure they are used wisely. This means fishing in a way that is good for the economy, the environment, and local communities. The area NEAFC covers is huge, stretching from Greenland in the west, across to the Barents Sea in the east, and down to Portugal in the south. However, the Baltic Sea and the Danish straits are managed by other groups, not NEAFC. After Brexit, the United Kingdom's fishing in this area is also regulated by NEAFC.
Who Are the Members of NEAFC?
NEAFC is made up of several countries and groups that have agreed to follow its rules. These are called "Contracting Parties." They work together to make decisions about fishing.
- Denmark (representing the Faroe Islands and Greenland)
- European Union
- Iceland
- Norway
- Russian Federation
- United Kingdom
Other Countries That Work With NEAFC
Some countries are not full members of NEAFC, but they still work closely with the commission. These are known as "Co-operating Non-Contracting Parties." They help support NEAFC's goals even though they are not official members.
