The Fisheries Partnership is divided up into three phases.
Phase one will establish new structures to make scientific advice on fish stocks more transparent and inclusive and make full use of the data held by fishers.
Phase two will provide a pilot structure for advising on the management measures that can be adopted to protect fish stocks and the environment while taking into account the economic and social effects upon fishing communities.
Phase three will define and implement a new structure for managing marine resources in the North Sea, which may have wider applicability (e.g. the Baltic and Mediterranean), and will consult widely within fishing communities on the measures to be adopted. It will then seek to implement the agreed measures through the European Commission and the national governments that have ultimate responsibility for management of the North Sea Fisheries.
Working Groups will be established to consider particular issues, conduct research and make recommendations for the project. Review Panels will be convened to peer review fish stock assessments, while surveys will be carried out on the views of fishers. Seminars will be held in fishing ports in each participating country to disseminate activities to groups of fishers and others and to seek feedback.