Brussels, 20/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Within the context of the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP), Alain Cadec (EPP, France), deputy chairman of the European Parliament (EP) fisheries committee, has organised an official visit of a delegation of five MEPs to Brittany on 20-22 February, so that parliamentarians and fishermen can exchange view points and also to highlight the specific nature of Breton fishing.
Monday was given over to observation of scallop farming in Saint-Quay-Portrieux. Cadec argued strongly that there has to be protection for coastal fishing, of which scallop farming forms a marine-environment-friendly part. “I am hoping to show my colleagues that inshore fishing is very important and complementary to industrial fishing. Transferable fishing concessions would be disastrous for this type of fishing”, he said.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the EP delegation will take part in a scientific discussion on the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries in Brest and a debate on the future funding of fisheries policy in Lorient. (SD/transl.rt)