A UK fisheries delegation today met with the new EU Maritime and Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
In a joint delegation with UK MEPs, the meeting covered the main concerns of the UK industry in both the short and medium term.
The catching opportunity for 2011, which is likely to be severely restricted due to a change of policy and the interpretation of the recent fisheries science, was covered, with an emphasis from the industry on commercial survival.
Innovation from the industry in sustainable catching and a commitment to contribute as much as possible from the industry at sea to the presently uncertain science was reinforced.
Reform of the CFP was also discussed, with decision making being devolved to the regional level forming the main topic.
Finally, but with no less importance, the unacceptable behaviour of Iceland and the Faeroe Islands in catching mackerel outside the accepted biological limits was discussed and was met by the Commissioner’s robust support.
The meeting was a very useful start to addressing the challenges facing the UK industry by coordinated action by the industry and UK members of the European Parliament.”
