Lack of ambition shown for CFP reform
Thursday 14th June 2012
Saithe shoal cpt Paul Naylor
Europe has demonstrated a lack of ambition for reforming the Common Fisheries Policy, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
The conservation organisation is calling for urgent action to ensure aims to end overfishing, and make fishing sustainable, are achieved.
On 13 June, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council met in Luxembourg, to address proposals for reforming the Common Fisheries Policy. The outcome will form the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament later this year
After the meeting, it was announced target dates for reaching Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and discard bans are being delayed from 2015 to 2020. The EC reported that a general compromise had been reached; both on the reform of the basic provisions of the Common Fisheries Policy and of the rules regarding the organisation of the markets.
In response to this announcement, Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, commented:
“We are very disappointed the target dates for reaching Maximum Sustainable Yield and the discard bans are being delayed to 2020. This shows a serious lack of ambition. These delays will result in a slower recovery of stocks and a failure to obtain best use of our common resource. It will also allow a continuation of overfishing with consequent impacts on wildlife and habitats. There will be higher fishing activity than necessary and lower stock levels. This will result in the seas having less capacity to support the wildlife which depends on these habitats and stocks for food and shelter.
“The objectives of the new CFP policy could still be achieved but there must be real ambition to make it happen. The Wildlife Trusts are calling on the Council of Ministers to continue the active pursuit of the Commissions overall objectives for its reform. Discussions in the EU parliament over the next few months are crucial to ensuring the CFP helps to deliver a healthy marine environment.”
Tagged with: Living Seas