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1. The target fishing mortality, in line with the ranges of FMSY defined in Article 2, shall be achieved on a progressive, incremental basis by 2020 where possible, and by 1 January 2025 at the latest, for the stocks concerned, and shall be maintained thereafter within the ranges of FMSY.

2. The ranges of FMSY based on the plan shall be requested, in particular from STECF, or a similar independent scientific body recognised at Union or international level.

3. In accordance with Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, when the Council fixes maximum allowable fishing effort, it shall establish that fishing effort for each fishing effort group, within the range of FMSY available at that time for the most vulnerable stock.

4. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 3, maximum allowable fishing effort may be set at levels that are lower than the ranges of FMSY.

5. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 3, maximum allowable fishing effort may be set above the range of FMSY available at that time for the most vulnerable stock, provided that all stocks concerned are above the BPA:

(a) if, on the basis of the best available scientific advice or evidence, it is necessary for the achievement of the objectives laid down in Article 3 in the case of mixed fisheries;

(b) if, on the basis of the best available scientific advice or evidence, it is necessary to avoid serious harm to a stock caused by intra- or inter-species stock dynamics; or (c) in order to limit variations in maximum allowable fishing effort between consecutive years to not more than 20 %.

6. Where ranges of FMSY cannot be determined for a stock listed in Article 1(2) due to a lack of adequate scientific information, that stock shall be managed in accordance with Article 12 until ranges of FMSY are available pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article.