L 22518 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2005 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 26 August 2005 establishing a Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (2005/629/[EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to the Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploi- tation of fisheries resources under the common fisheries policy (1), and in particular Article 33(1) thereof, Whereas: (1) The implementation of Community policy for fisheries and aquaculture requires the assistance of highly qualified scientific personnel, particularly in the application of marine and fisheries biology, fishing technology, fisheries economics or similar disciplines, or in connection with the requirements of research and data collection in the fields of fishing and aquaculture. (2)  This assistance should be provided by a permanent Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) set up within the Commission. (3) In accordance with Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002, the Commission should consult the STECF at regular intervals on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of living aquatic resources, including biological, economic, environmental, social and technical considerations and it should take into account its advice when presenting proposals on fisheries management under that Regulation. () OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59. (4)  The advice of the STECF on matters relating to fisheries must be based on the principles of excellence, inde- pendence, impartiality and transparency. (5) It is essential that the STECF makes best use of external expertise from within and outside the Community as necessary to answer specific questions. (6)  In view of the number and importance of the changes to be made, Commission Decision 93/619/EC of 19 November 1993 relating to the institution of a Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (3) should be repealed, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 Establishment of the Committee A Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries, hereinafter called ‘STECF, is hereby established. Atrticle 2 Role of STECF 1.  The Commission shall at regular intervals, or whenever it is deemed necessary, request advice in the form of opinions from the STECF on issues referred to in Article 33(1) of Regu- lation (EC) No 2371/2002. The Commission may require the adoption of such an opinion within a defined period. 3 OJ L 297, 2.12.1993, p. 25.