On Tuesday 12 December, the European Parliament adopted (without a vote) the new regulation on external fishing fleets (see EUROPE 11812), establishing a more rigorous system of authorisation for EU vessels fishing outside Union waters and for third country vessels operating in EU waters.
The information on fishing authorisations granted to the EU’s main vessels will be gathered together in an electronic public register. The text will also tighten up on abuses involving reflagging, chartering and transhipment.
“This is a significant step forward and I’m happy to state that we share the same objectives as member state ministers. Henceforth, only sustainable fishing activities will be authorised. This, then, is a radical change, particularly for fishing in international waters and the waters of third countries with which vessel owners have negotiated agreements”, said Parliament rapporteur Linnéa Engström (Greens/EFA, Sweden).
The regulation has still to be formally adopted by the Council before coming into effect at the start of 2018. (Original version in French)