Fisheries Reforms: Tough Choices Needed
17 December 2009
The East of England Regional Assembly this week welcomed the real sense of opportunity and urgency expressed through the European Commission’s Green Paper to radically change the way our fisheries are managed through a reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The Green Paper looks at reform of all aspects of fisheries policy - from how we can most effectively deliver sustainable fisheries and marine resources in Europe to how the European Union can best support sustainable and thriving coastal communities.
EERA’s response to the EU outlined a number of changes it wishes to see in place to remove obstacles to truly sustainable fishing in the region:
· A regionalised approach to fisheries management is essential. Whilst principles should be established at an EU level, the delivery and implementation should be moved to a regional system suited to local conditions and opportunities. Such regionalisation needs to bring about an improvement in the present level of stakeholder involvement to include the coastal fishing communities.
· Differentiated approach for the inshore and large-scale fishing industry. A different approach and management structure is required for the under 10 metre fishing vessels used by the local fishing industry and the larger deep sea fishing fleets. 12 nautical miles from the coastline should be reserved for the local fishing fleet which will help to preserve the quality of life and culture of coastal communities.
· EU support to stimulate new economic opportunities in coastal communities. A certain amount of economic restructuring is required to coastal communities which are heavily dependent on fishing and are moving to more diversified economic opportunities. This process of transition should be supported by the EU. Opportunities for coastal populations undergoing economic change should be explored, particularly in terms of renewable energy production where adapting to climate change could provide new industry opportunities and new jobs.
· It is crucial that the reformed CFP upholds the principle of ecological sustainability. For many years, ecological sustainability has been compromised to cushion short-term economic difficulties. This has led to a decline in the state of stocks – and eventually in the economic and social fortunes of fishermen in the region.
Cllr Marco Cereste, Co-Chair of EERA’s Europe and International Affairs Panel (EIAP) and EEDA Board Member, said: “The EU has come clean with what we have all known for many years – namely that the current policies are failing to conserve fish stocks and sustain jobs for communities.”
Cllr Bryony Rudkin, Co-Chair of EIAP, added: “At present in Europe, nearly two thirds of fish stocks are in decline – including some of the most popular species like cod, plaice and sole. The result is a vicious circle which has undermined both the ecological balance of our seas and the economic profitability of the sector. We therefore welcome this reform”.
Richard Marson, Chairman of Aldeburgh Fisherman’s Trade Guild, said: “It is now generally accepted that the present quota system of fisheries management works unfairly against our small and environmentally friendly boats in Aldeburgh. It is hoped that the introduction of the proposed new policy will help to secure a sustainable future for the valuable local asset represented by our small fishing fleet.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information or to arrange an interview with an EERA spokesperson, please contact:
Claire Sefton, Tel: 01284 729427 Mob: 07920257940 Email: Claire.sefton@eera.gov.uk
Stephen Hinchley, Tel: 01284 729430, Mob: 07710 312237, Email: stephen.hinchley@eera.gov.uk
For further information about the Common Fisheries Policy response, contact Michelle Armstrong on 01284 729415 or email: michelle.armstrong@eera.gov.uk
East of England Regional Assembly
1. The East of England Regional Assembly is independent of Government and is not a Government agency or quango. It represents the regional interests of people living and working in the East of England.
2. The Assembly has 96 members of which two thirds are elected councillors (from the 52 local authorities in the region) and one third are stakeholder representatives. Its meetings are open to the media and general public.
3. The Assembly is the designated Regional Planning Body for the East of England until March 2010 when it will cease to exist.
4. During 2008/09 EERA’s work included:
- £1 billion bid for investment in public transport and roads across the region including final stretch of A11 dualling
- Campaigned against a second runway at Stansted Airport
- Held EEDA to account at six Economic Summits
- Influenced European funding programmes worth £500 million to support employment, skills, climate change and low carbon economic growth
- Delivery of 328 training courses to develop thousands of local authority employees and councillors in the region
For more information on EERA, see the website at www.eera.gov.uk
Europe and International Affairs Panel:
Cllr Marco Cereste, EEDA Board Member & Co-Chair of the Europe & International Affairs Panel (EIAP), 01223 200879
Cllr Bryony Rudkin, Labour, Co-Chair of the EIAP, bryony.rudkin:@btinternet.com
Cllr Graham Butland, Conservative, Group Leader of the EIAP, 01376 345681
Cllr Ian Mack, Liberal Democrat, Group Leader of the EIAP, 01366 500942