Brussels, 24/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament fisheries committee has debated the draft report by Renata Briano (S&D, Italy) amending the initial proposal (see EUROPE 11253 for the detail of the draft report). Some MEPs called for the report and the Commission proposal to be withdrawn. The fisheries committee is likely to vote in mid-April (with the plenary session vote coming in May).
The Commission's initial - and controversial - proposal sought to ban the use of drift nets in fishing. Rather than a ban, however, rapporteur Briano has opted for tougher monitoring and sanctions. Speaking as an elected member and not as chair of the fisheries committee, Alain Cadec (EPP, France) said that he would like the report and the Commission proposal to be withdrawn and he intends to put down an amendment to that effect. He was supported by Scottish MEP Ian Hudghton (Greens/EFA). Diane Dodds (non-attached, UK) called for the withdrawal of the proposal, as did Raymond Finch (EFDD, UK). Other MEPs, including Marco Affronte (EFDD, Italy) suggested improving the draft report by means of amendments. Gabriel Mato (EPP, Spain) argued that it would be “impossible to impose a ban on fishermen who comply with the principles of sustainable fishing”. José Blanco (S&D, Spain) noted that it is “not small-scale fishing gear that is the problem”. Ulrike Rodust (S&D, Germany) supported Briano's draft report and called for more information on small drift nets. (Lionel Changeur)