Speaking at the EU Council Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in Brussels, Spanish minister of fisheries Luis Planas commented that the European Commission needs to ‘firmly defend the interests of the EU.’
His remarks – and those of other Ministers attending – referenced Norway’s position, and disagreements over fisheries with Norway, not least in relation too its unilateral imposition of TACs and quotas, were also discussed.
The Norwegian mackerel quota has been increased dramatically in recent years, to the frustration of European operators who have repeatedly called for Norway to be subject to sanctions.
The European Commission’s proposal to strengthen EU regulations designed to combat unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries, a measure that could have been tailor-made for the situation with Norway, has been welcomed by the European fishing sector.
Luis Planas commented that Norway is considered to be ‘a friendly country,’ but its position ‘is not the right one,’ as he spoke of the need for the European Commission to act.
The EU ministers also discussed the status of the fisheries agreement with the United Kingdom, which expires in June 2026, with a view to initiating the process for its renewal. Luis Planas commented that earlier this month he met the UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed, and made the position clear that negotiations with the European Union should be concluded in time to facilitate the distribution of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas for the Community fleet.
A consultation will run from late October to early December and will cover 81 fish stocks jointly managed by the EU and the UK.
Rejecting anchovy cuts
Minister Luis Planas is admant that the Commission should withdraw or amend its proposal on anchovy fishing cuts in the Gulf of Cadiz. ‘We are clearly and categorically opposed to the European Commission’s proposal, as it subdivides the area and is detrimental to the interests of the Spanish fleet,’ he stated.
The Minister clarified that it is not only the situation of the biological stock of the species that needs to be considered, but also the economic and social impact. He also rejected the refusal of quota exchanges between countries and asked the Commission not to adopt measures that would result in the tie-up of a fleet of 75 purse seinerss in the Gulf of Cadiz.
