Council Regulation (EEC) No. 170/83 establishing a Community system for the conservation and management of fishery resources.

This Regulation introduces a Community system for the conservation and management of fishery resources in order to ensure the protection of fishing grounds, the conservation of the biological resources of the sea and their balanced exploitation on a lasting basis and in appropriate economic and social conditions. Conservation measures may include, in particular, for each species or group of species: (a) the establishment of zones where fishing is prohibited or restricted to certain periods, types of vessel, fishing gear or certain end-uses; (b) the setting of standards as regards fishing gear; (c) the setting of a minimum fish size or weight per species; (d) the restriction of fishing effort, in particular by limits on catches.
The measures shall be based on available scientific advice and in particular a report of the Scientific and Technical Committee established under article 12 (art. 2). Articles 3 to 5 concern quantity restrictions on fishing by Community and Third countries, and redistribution of quotas. For species of special importance in the region referred to in Annex II which are biologically sensitive because of their exploitation characteristics, fishing activities will be governed by a licensing system managed by the Commission on behalf of the Community (art. 7). A Management Committee for Fishery Resources is established under article 13. (16 articles and 2 Annexes)