Brussels, 29/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 February, the European Commission began a consultation exercise on its initiative to reform the control system of the common fisheries policy (CFP), following criticism by the Court of Auditors and informal discussions on this matter among European fisheries ministers (see EUROPE 9604). Stakeholders and citizens have until 5 May 2008 to submit their views to the Commission. (The consultation paper can be found at: http: //ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/governance/consultations/consultation_280208_en.htm) “The new control regime should cover all the steps from the vessel to the consumer. It must help spread a culture of compliance among all operators and deter those prepared to operate illegally as their individual actions undermine the sustainability of our fisheries. It should also be simpler, more uniform and cost effective than the current one,” said Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg.
In a press release, the Commission says that continued failure of the control policy would have serious consequences for the future of fisheries resources, the fishing industry and the regions that are dependent on fishing. At the end of April, the Commission will hold a meeting with stakeholders, and, in October, will bring forward a proposal for a new regulation. The consultation paper identifies nine possible fields of action: - developing a new approach as regards inspection and control; - rationalising the rules; - strengthening the capacity of the Commission; - harmonising sanctions; - strengthening cooperation and assistance; - developing a culture of compliance; - using modern technologies; - adapting the mandate of the Community Fisheries Control Agency.
Among the Court's criticisms, the Commission acknowledges that there are many shortcomings in national catch registration systems. In the consultation paper, the Commission says that member states do not make optimal use of inspection activities, dedicating too many resources to controls at sea and not enough at the time of landing and marketing of the catch. The Commission says it has only a limited capacity to evaluate the situation in the member states and it says, too, that sanctions (in the event of infringement of the rules) are “either non-existent or not dissuasive”. The only procedure available to the Commission is “action in the event of failure” - the opening of an infringement procedure - which is a lengthy process. (L.C.)