18.1.1999 Official Journal of the European Communities L 131 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 48/1999 of 18 December 1998 fixing, for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, the total allowable catches for 1999 and certain conditions under which they may be fished THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92 of 20 December 1992 establishing a Community system for fisheries and aquaculture ('), and in particular Article 8(4) thereof, Having regard to the 1994 Act of Accession, and in particular Articles 121 and 122 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, (1) Whereas Article 4 of Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92 requires the Council to formulate, in the light of the available scientific advice and, in particular, of the report prepared by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, the measures necessary to ensure the rational and responsible exploitation of resources on a sustainable basis; Whereas a management regime making full use of the new management possibilities given by Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92, and in particular the management of catch limitations on a pluriannual and multispecies basis, cannot yet be achieved, due to the need to put into force certain measures for the control of fisheries, to further develop the appropriate administrative framework () OJ L 389, 31.12.1992, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1181/98 (O] L 164, 9.6.1998, p. 1). for a system of limitation of fishing effort, and to enhance scientific knowledge; whereas, until such a management regime is consolidated, limitation of exploitation rates should be guaranteed by the current TAC system; Whereas, under the terms of Article 8(4) of Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92, it is incumbent upon the Council, in accordance with Article 4, to establish the total allowable catches (TAC) by fishery or group of fisheries; whereas fishing opportunities should be allocated to Member States in accordance with Article 8(4)(ii) of that Regulation; Whereas it is necessary to establish the principles and certain procedures of fishery management at the Community level, so that Member States can ensure the management of the vessels flying their flag; Whereas, in order to ensure effective management of these TACs, the specific conditions under which fishing operations occur should be established; Whereas, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 of 6 May 1996 introducing additional conditions for year-to-year management of TACs and quotas (%), it is necessary to indicate which stocks are subject to the various measures fixed therein; Whereas, in order to ensure a better exploitation of the quotas of herring, anchovy, hake, blue () OJ L 115, 9.5.1996, p. 3.