Below is a press release issued on 13th July 2011 by Seas at Risk in response to the European Commission’s proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Seas at Risk is a European association of environmental NGOs working to protect our marine environment, of which VOICE is a member.As detailed below, the proposals show certain progress, for example, somewhat addressing the wasteful practice of returning unwanted caught fish to the oceans. However, the reform is too limited in relation to fishing quotas, and there are concerns over the Commission’s reliance on market-based approaches to halt overfishing. Read on to find out more.

CFP proposal falls short of ensuring sustainable fisheries

Brussels, 13th July.The European Commission has today published its proposal for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. After 2 years of consultations, the proposal contains valuable elements, but falls short of what is needed to ensure sustainable fisheries in the EU.The proposal includes internationally agreed targets for the recovery of fish stocks that could see the end of overfishing in EU waters, if it receives the support of the Council and the European Parliament. It also encourages higher selectivity and partially addresses the wasteful practice of discarding perfectly good fish at sea.However, the proposal fails to recognize the need for a healthy marine ecosystem as a prerequisite for viable fisheries and does not commit Member States to follow scientific advice when setting fishing opportunities.Dr. Monica Verbeek, Executive Director of Seas At Risk said: “More ambitious management targets for stocks will only halt overfishing if Ministers are obliged to set fishing quotas based on the best available scientific advice. We can no longer afford to put fish stocks at risk with the annual horse trading of quotas.” See the full press release.Read the European Commission's reform package.