Research for PECH Committee - Social and Economic Impact of the Penalty Point System

This research study focuses on the social and economic impact of the penalty point system for serious fisheries infringements. Overall this study has identified challenges in relation to the penalty point system and its implementation. Stakeholders highlight concerns relating lack of transparency, problems of accountability, and lack of participation. Further, this report flags concerns that different implementation of the system on the national level negatively impacts smaller vessels and those fishing species with tight quotas or higher risk of bycatch.