Oceana has warned the risk of high non-compliance with the Mediterranean Regulation that came into force on June 2 because the European fleet rejects the new measures for nets and distances from the coast. The organization said that the European trawl and seine fleets must use a new mesh size and, like dredges, must operate farther from the coast to target bivalves.
It also revealed that the Regulation does not guarantee sustainable fishing because it only establishes minimum sizes for 27 marine species, leaving important habitats such as coral, gorgonian and sponge fields unprotected. Xavier Pastor, executive director of Oceana Europe, explained that they are working to not fail the application of European fishing legislation for the Mediterranean happen. he also told that control must be strict and exceptions must be minimal.
According to Pastor the new measures are necessary but still insufficient to achieve long-term sustainability of fishing activities and reduce the overexploitation to which many Mediterranean stocks are subjected. Regulation on mesh size for trawl and seine fisheries have been criticized and rejected by the fishing sector and some regional governments. Commenting on this European Fishing Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, has already said the adaptation period for trawlers will not be extended.
