On Thursday 21 January, the European Parliament advocated management measures for fishing activities to help ensure that at least 30% of the EU’s sea area is protected, as stipulated in the EU biodiversity strategy (see EUROPE 12639/13).
MEPs adopted (362 votes in favour, 248 against and 71 abstentions) the report by Caroline Roose (Greens/EFA, France) on sustainable fisheries.
By adopting an amendment, the Parliament suggests, among other measures, areas for the recovery of fish stocks and “areas where the most destructive fishing techniques and economic activities are restricted”.
In adopting another amendment, MEPs refer to the long-term negative impact certain fishing techniques - such as bottom-contacting gear and fish aggregating devices (FADs) - have on stocks, marine biodiversity and the marine environment.
No-take zones. By narrowly adopting (325 votes in favour, 318 against and 44 abstentions) another amendment from several political groups (mainly S&D, Greens/EFA, The Left and some MEPs from the Renew Europe group), the Parliament even calls for one third of the 30% (sea area to be protected), i.e. 10% of European waters “to benefit from a high level of protection, including areas where all catches and all economic activities are prohibited (ie. no-take zones)”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)