Brussels, 04/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Danish Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers has set itself the target of bringing European ministers to a general approach on the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) by June. Full agreement would then be reached under the Cypriot Presidency in the second half of the year. A further priority for Denmark is the ending of the practice of discarding fish at sea.
Denmark will work for “maximum momentum” in the negotiations on the proposed new fisheries policy, which the Commission tabled in July 2011. Sustainability is at the heart of the proposed reform, Denmark says.
The Danish Presidency wants the reform to include the principles of EU fisheries outside the EU. “Future fisheries partnership agreements with third countries must strengthen the scientific assessments of the stocks concerned and promote improved control. Moreover, human rights and democracy clauses included in the partnerships and the work of regional fisheries management organisations should be strengthened.”
Ban on fish discards. Denmark will work for “the gradual introduction of a discard ban, combined with the establishment of a management system”. To ensure that all catches are taken ashore, Denmark says that fishermen should provide proof, documented by the use of cameras, that there has been no discarding of fish.
The Danish Presidency will push for a new catch quota management system and wants the reform to address the question of balance between fleet size (capacity) and fishing opportunities. (LC/transl.rt)