According to the sources closed to the European Commission the change has come about because Commissioners were embarrassed by DG Fish’s management of the Common Fisheries Policy, which often doles out fish quotas in defiance of scientific advice. The new set up will split up the management of the Common Fisheries Policy into three regions, namely, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the North Sea and Baltic Seas.
It is said that there will be no change in the external policy and legal affairs of the DG Fish’s existing directorates. It is expected that the reorganization would allow greater focus on the Mediterranean, where fishing for the bluefin tuna remains out of control, and on control of illegal fishing by EU vessels in international waters.
José Manuel Barroso, the Commission president, told that the new change in DG Mare highlights the Commission’s determination to conduct an integrated and tailor-made maritime policy. According to a senior Commission official the change will make fisheries more sensitive to sustainable development and ecosystem management.
It is said that any changes would be consulted with fishermen and environmental groups to make it more consistent. If not consulted the fishermen feel victimized and neglected, this should be a change for them too. Bertie Armstrong, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, told that the changes were “part of a push towards more ‘joined up’ thinking on EU maritime policy.
