The primary policy objective is to eliminate the illegal activities of flagships through effective controls. The priority is to ensure compliance with the conservation rules by all EU fishing vessels.
The rules have been tightened by virtue of the new EU fisheries control regulations which came into force last year. The regime now in place allows for enhanced inspection and monitoring arrangements for flagships. The specific requirement whereby flagships must provide at least four hours notice of intention to land into ports other than those of their flag State represents a significant improvement in control measures.