text: The application of an ecosystem-based management approach under EU legislation43 will 
  reduce the adverse impacts of fishing, extraction and other human activities, especially 
  on sensitive species and seabed habitats. To support this,**national maritime spatial**
  **plans**, which Member States have to deliver in 2021, should aim at covering all maritime 
  sectors and activities, as well as area-based conservation-management measures.44 The 
  Commission will also propose a**new action plan to conserve fisheries resources and**
  **protect marine ecosystems**by 2021. Where necessary, measures will be introduced to 
  limit the use of fishing gear most harmful to biodiversity, including on the seabed. It will 
  also look at how to reconcile the use of bottom-contacting fishing gear with biodiversity 
  goals, given it is now the most damaging activity to the seabed. This must be done in a 
  fair and just way for all. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund should also support 
  the transition to more selective and less damaging fishing techniques. 
  
  Healthy fish stocks are key to the long-term prosperity of fishermen and the health of our 
  oceans and biodiversity. This makes it all the more important to maintain or reduce 
  fishing mortality at or under**Maximum Sustainable Yield levels**. This will help achieve 
  a healthy population age and size distribution for fish stocks. 