Pew Encouraged by the Commission's Common Fisheries Policy Green Paper

Uta Bellion, director of the Pew Environment Group's EU Marine Programme, issued the following statement today in response to the publication of the European Commission's Green Paper for a reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

“The Green Paper articulates a much needed, far-reaching reform. An estimated 88 percent of the European fish stocks are overfished and 30 percent are outside safe biological limits. A reformed CFP must ensure that fishing limits are set according to scientific advice and are not subject to politics.

“Currently, a number of fishing fleets are assessed to be two to three times the size needed. Without delay, Member States need to balance fleet capacity with the available fish to secure fisheries that provide long-term socio-economic benefits. Only by engaging in a frank discussion that leads to concerted action can we truly reform the CFP.

“The Pew Environment Group is open to working with all stakeholders in supporting this reform as we believe that we have an opportunity to develop a CFP that protects our marine environment while providing long term economic and social benefits for all.

Note to the Editor:

1. The Court of Auditors' Special Report No 7/2007 on the control, inspection and sanction systems relating to the rules on conservation of Community fisheries Download pdf.