The European Parliament (EP) Committee on Fisheries gave its consent to conclude the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between the EU and Morocco, a development welcomed by European fisheries body Europêche which sees an agreement as promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries for the EU and Morocco, securing mutual benefits, and contributing to the strict observance of international law.
In the light of the ongoing uncertainty around the UK’s expected departure from the European Union in two months, the European Commission has adopted legislative proposals designed to soften the blow of Britain crashing out of the EU in a No Deal outcome.
Boulogne trawler skipper Olivier Lepretre, who also serves as vice-president of France’s CNPMEM Fishermen’s Committee and president of the Hauts-de-France Regional Committee, has stated that a hard Brexit would have severe consequences – and makes it clear that if this happens, French fishermen will have nothing to lose by taking action.
A report by Iceland’s National Audit Office has been making waves after it criticised the Directorate of Fisheries, throwing doubt on the effectiveness of much of the Directorate’s activities in monitoring discard levels, and more, following an audit carried out at Parliament’s request.
European small-scale fishing body LIFE has called on MEPs to reject amendments 10, 19, and 39, which it claims will expand the definition of small-scale fisheries and create an uneven playing field across Europe. According to LIFE, the simple definition of under 12 metres and fishing with passive gears offers a basic clarity and comparability across the EU.
The European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) has taken note of yesterday’s vote in the House of Commons and states that while a managed exit and a mutually beneficial fisheries and trade agreement remain EUFA’s objective, the vote is a backwards step, although not an unexpected one – and the ensuing political uncertainty are of concern to the European fishing industry.
BCG Digital Ventures and WWF Australia are launching OpenSC, a new digital platform that uses blockchain and other technologies to track food and products, and helps people and business to avoid illegal, environmentally-damaging or unethical products.
The Icelandic Coast Guard has twice in recent days had to warn fishing vessels off operating around undersea cables.
The expected defeat inflicted by the UK Parliament on Theresa May’s government and the deal agreed with the EU hasn’t escaped notice in Europe, and the President of French industry body CNPMEM commented that the vote has taken the situation from sailing in fog to one of steaming through troubled waters.
2018 saw landings by Norwegian fishing vessels for the first time surpass a value of NoK20 billion, an increase of NoK1.4 billion on 2017 as catch values ticked over to the big number.