Brussels, 25/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 23 November, the European Parliament (EP) approved a proposal outlawing highgrading of species subject to quotas catch by vessels fishing in the Baltic Sea, the Belts and the Sound. The ban on highgrading effectively means fishermen will have to land their entire catch in port, and so will put an end to discarding, throwing fish the fishermen do not want overboard. The proposal also provides for restrictions on the flounder and turbot fleet in the Baltic. In addition, with its adoption of the report by Polish MEP Marek Jósef Gróbarczyk, the EP calls on the European Commission to draft a comprehensive plan for managing flat fish in the Baltic Sea.
“We must have a courageous policy on discards,” said Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki. “I don't think we can throw fish back into the sea when they have such a high sales value.” She welcomed the idea put forward by a number of MEPs of compensating fishermen for the cost of fish by-catches. “We can find solutions but what we have to do through the reform of the common fisheries policy is to make progress towards the aim of eliminating discards.” Some MEPs, such as Alain Cadec (EPP, France), called for European Commission support to help the sector put in selective gear. (L.C./transl.rt)