Brussels, 23/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - In Deauville (France) on Friday 13 June, the Atlantic Arc Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) adopted an opinion in which it expresses its gravest concern at the problems being faced by the fisheries sector whose running costs have greatly increased, especially as a result of rising fuel prices.
The regions of the Atlantic Arc, keenly aware that their wealth comes from the sea, want to maintain active and responsible fishing. That is why they highlighted the need for a raft of medium-term measures to build a sustainable and economically viable fishery. However, to bring immediate relief in the current crisis, it calls on the EU to authorise the immediate transitional measures needed to support the sector. Only in a calm situation will it be possible to undertake the necessary reflection on structural reform, it says.
The CPMR calls on the EU inter alia to: - rigorously apply Community standards in control and monitoring of fish coming into the EU; - strengthen the tracking, traceability and labelling of fisheries products; - work for greater recognition for small-scale local fisheries; - help fishermen to adopt more selective and energy-saving fishing practices; - reduce discards; - adopt measures to protect spawning and grounds and nurseries. (L.C./transl.rt)