Commission outlines reform to give the EU fisheries sector a

Better involving the stakeholders and more flexibility for Member States
Stakeholders feel that they are not sufficiently involved in the CFP process and that this has a negative impact on compliance with CFP rules. The Commission proposes therefore the creation of Regional Advisory Councils, which would bring together all relevant stakeholders at the regional and local levels. These Councils would submit suggestions to the Commission and the Member States on matters relating to fisheries management and would give an opinion on Commission or Member States proposals that relate directly to the area they cover. Member States need to consult these Councils as well before establishing measures within their national 12-mile zones.

The Commission also proposes to introduce more flexibility in the CFP to allow for rapid response in local and emergency circumstances by enabling Member States to take relevant measures insofar as they do not contravene EU law.

Strengthening the Role of Fish Farming
Aquaculture (fish farming) provides a valuable alternative source of employment in coastal areas as well as offering quality fisheries products to consumers. The Commission proposes a strategy to strengthen the role of aquaculture through a number of measures including the improvement of scientific research and the development of new environment and health standards.

The Commission package includes a roadmap, laying out the overall reform approach and legal proposals relating to conservation, the environment, aid to decommission fishing vessels, modifications to FIFG and illegal fishing. These proposals will be examined at the next Council of Ministers' meeting on 11 June 2002. Further legal proposals, reports and action plans will follow. They will relate to conservation in the Mediterranean, fishing on the high seas and under fisheries agreements with third countries - especially developing ones, enforcement, aquaculture and the impact of fleet restructuring on coastal areas. The new CFP will enter into force in 2003.

The full text of the reform proposals is available on the internet at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/fisheries

Source: EU Website 28th May 2002

Following on from this the UK Fisheries Departments' responded
The Fisheries Minister, Elliot Morley said:

"We need a thoroughly-revised CFP that reflects the needs of a modern fishing industry and works in balance with the environment…. This long-anticipated review comes not a moment too soon. Overfished stocks like North Sea cod and hake are currently at risk of collapse.

The UK has already contributed, this year, to any fleet reduction likely to be included in the CFP review - our current national decommissioning schemes are funding the withdrawal of over 10% of UK fishing vessels. However, elsewhere in Europe decommissioning and effort-reduction measures are undermined by misdirected boat-building subsidies. It doesn't make sense to fund new-build when capacity is already so far out of line with fishing opportunities."

It was stated that the UK also wants to see:

· The retention of 6 and 12 mile limits, as proposed by the Commission. Most member states are in agreement that they act as a safeguard for coastal regions especially dependent on fishing. They have also become an important conservation tool.

· Much closer involvement of the fishing industry, via new regional committees, in the development and operation of fisheries management measures.

· Serious examination of the problem of discards (fish caught but then thrown away before a catch is landed). This difficult problem occurs for a variety of reasons, but is one we must try to address given the state of the stocks.

· Improvement in inspection and enforcement standards across the Community, and an equalising of standards.

· Better agreements on fishing in developing countries' waters, based on sound science, to prevent over-exploitation of stocks.

Mr Morley said:

"The draft Regulations and associated 'road map' summary published today are just proposals at this stage. They are complex and will need in-depth study. There will be careful consultation with industry, environmentalists and other stakeholders. There are several months of negotiation ahead."

Source: website, 28th May 2002

In Scotland, The Scottish Minister for the Environment and Rural Development, Ross Finnie said:
"The review offers opportunity for serious debate aimed at creating a sustainable future for fisheries and communities dependent on fishing. Although it is too early to comment on the proposals in any great detail, I am encouraged to see that the Commission appear not to have not shied away from proposing a thorough and innovative rethink of the fisheries policy.

Some key Scottish objectives for the review are well represented in the proposals. For example, there is a reasonably positive approach to the need to make permanent 6 and 12 mile limits, to maintain the principle of relative stability and to set up regional advisory committees. These have been important elements of the initial UK position - which was drawn up in conjunction with the Executive.

The Commission have highlighted the need for cuts in Fishing Effort. We cannot shy away from this issue and we have already been pragmatic by bringing in decommissioning. So long as the Commission take account of what we have already done, I support the general principle of reducing effort. Months of tough negotiations lie ahead and the Scottish Executive will participate as a key member of the UK team. In developing our negotiating strategy for the review, we will be consulting fully with key stakeholders so we can work together to create a sustainable future for Scotland's sea fishery."

Source: SEERAD website 28th May 2002