Brussels, 19/04/2016 (Agence Europe) - Addressing the European Parliament's fisheries committee in Brussels on Tuesday 19 April, Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella stressed the huge and complex challenges that will have to be met if fish stocks are to be saved in the Mediterranean Sea. He also pledged to set up work on the new multiannual management plans for fish stocks (cod, herring and sprat) after institutional agreement was reached on the plan for the Baltic.
Vella underlined the progress made in implementing the common fisheries policy (CFP): fishing activities and stocks are managed more sustainably and regionalisation has demonstrated its value. He stressed that small-scale fishermen had to have their voices heard, the blue economy had to be supported and governance of the oceans had to be improved internationally. The commissioner said that the delegated acts would be important for the landing obligation (ending the practice of discarding fish at sea). He said that creativity would have to be shown to ensure implementation of this rule. Other plans are expected for the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean. Vella spoke of a dramatic decline in stocks, with over 90% of stocks overfished. All the countries of the EU and neighbouring third countries had to be persuaded of the need to act together and quickly, he said. A meeting of fisheries ministers from the countries around the Mediterranean rim will be held in Brussels on 27 April to come to agreement on what will have to be done collectively to conserve key stocks. Vella highlighted the urgency of improving cooperation with the third countries concerned, sustaining progress on conservation of the Bluefin tuna stock, introducing measures for swordfish (scientific opinions are expected before the end of the year) and tackling illegal fishing. Gabriel Mato (EPP, Spain) spoke of the “sensitive” situation in the region.
Illegal fishing. In response to a question put by Linnea Engström (Greens/EFA, Sweden) on illegal fishing, and notably the situation in Thailand where not enough improvement has been made, Vella said that that country had made great efforts. It has already put into effect significant changes to its control rules, he said. The Commission is due to take three decisions on illegal fishing in third countries on Thursday 21 April, the commissioner announced.
Blue growth. Vella pointed out that only 5% of economic activity is from the seas and oceans. The Commission has identified five major areas which can be further developed, including renewable energy (wind, tidal and wave power), biotechnology and coastal tourism.
Multiannual management plans. Vella said that, this summer, he would adopt a proposal on the multiannual management plan for stocks in the North Sea. Further plans are expected for the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The commissioner called on the other institutions to come to agreement swiftly, before the end of the year, on the management plan for cod in the Channel and North Sea (following Court of Justice rulings).
Fisheries agreements with third countries. The Commission will negotiate new agreements with Guinea-Bissau and with Morocco (in 2017). And it will resume negotiations with Tanzania (on tuna) and, potentially, with Ghana.
Quotas and fishing gear. Ulrike Rodust (S&D, Germany) stated that the allocation of quotas is not fair, arguing that greater account must be taken of small-scale fishing. She called for more information to be given to fishermen on more selective fishing gear, and for them to be informed of what scientists are doing in this area. “Scientists have to work with fishermen”, replied Vella.
In response to Rodust, Vella said that, with regard to the sea, the EU was not doing as well as it might on Natura 2000 networks - only 4% of its marine territory is protected; on land, much more has been done.
Peter van Dalen (ECR, Netherlands) advocated a more flexible controls system. The commissioner defended his proposal of technical measures in fisheries, the objective of which being to simplify the majority of the rules. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)