Brussels, 20/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 October, the European Parliament approved the text on updating certain international fisheries agreements. According to new responsibilities in fisheries policy, Parliament now has the power to approve or reject an international fisheries agreement concluded by the EU.
By adopting the report by Jaroslaw Leszek Walesa (EPP, Poland), the EP gave its approval to the modifications to the cooperation agreements in their Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO). This regional fisheries organisation incorporates a large part of the Atlantic, including zones near the US, Canada, Greenland, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France). The convention amendments seek to modernise the organisation, rationalise decision-making and establish a new disputes procedure.
By adopting the report of Carmen Fraga Estévez (EPP, Spain), the EP also approved the regulation text establishing a control and coercion regime in the agreements for multilateral cooperation in North East Atlantic fishing (NEAFC). This system seeks to monitor and sanction boats carrying out illegal, non-declared and non-regulated fishing practices. The text reflects a compromise negotiated with the Council on 15 September last. (L.C./transl.fl)