A vote in by the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries vote in favour of a targeted revision of the Multiannual Plan for demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean makes clear an expectation that management must better reflect the realities of mixed fisheries.
MEPs want to see fishing effort rules move away from reliance on the ‘most vulnerable stock’ that triggers choke effects. They also support greater flexibility, including transferring up to 10% of unused fishing effort between years and limiting annual reductions in fishing days to a maximum of 20%.
The resolution further calls for socio-economic impacts – including employment, fishers’ income, business viability, seafood supply and food security – to be considered in decision-making. It also stresses the need for more complete scientific data, including research into the effects of climate change and invasive species on fisheries, and stronger control of non-EU fleets to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
‘The PECH vote sends a clear message that the Western Mediterranean plan needs to be adapted as a matter of urgency. The plan’s current framework and implementation have contributed to declining employment in the sector,’ said Europêche President Javier Garat.
‘Fishers have made substantial efforts to support stock recovery, but sustainability also depends on viable businesses, secure jobs and resilient coastal communities. We call on the Commission to present its proposal to revise the plan as soon as possible and for the resolution’s outcomes to be considered at the December Council meeting.’
The Committee on Fisheries resolution recognises the efforts made by the fleet, particularly Mediterranean trawlers, to make fishing more sustainable through innovation and improved gear selectivity. At the same time, successive severe cuts to fishing days combined with expanding area closures, triggered by the current regulation, have exacted a heavy social cost.
The Parliament also calls on the Commission to urgently review the specific conditions faced by the red shrimp fishery, which is currently the only fishery subject simultaneously to two restrictive management measures, with a view to retaining only the fishing-days regime and removing the quota.
In welcoming the vote, Europêche has also extended its appreciation to the rapporteur and chair of the Fisheries Committee, Carmen Crespo, for her work in advancing a balanced discussion on the future of the Mediterranean fisheries.
