Future policy underlines protection of ecosystems, responsibility of fishermen and market mechanisms

Tisková zpráva Press Release Communiqué de presse

Prague, 24 April 2009
 

Future policy underlines protection of ecosystems, responsibility of fishermen and market mechanisms

The aim of the Green Paper on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, introduced to the competent ministers on Thursday at the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, is not only to describe the current state of affairs, but mainly to stimulate discussion on the future direction of the policy. 

The stress is put on market mechanisms while securing higher responsibility of fishermen, protection of the marine environment and ecosystems, and better coordination with other policies and sectors. More space should be given to aquaculture as an instrument for sustainable management of fish resources. 

The Green Paper on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was adopted by the European Commission only on Wednesday, therefore it was introduced for the first time at the Council meeting. “This is just the first, yet a very important step in the whole discussion process on the future direction of the Common Fisheries Policy. We are glad that this discussion has started during the Czech Presidency”, says Minister Gandalovič.

“If I am to make a medical comparison, the Commission openly states in the Green Paper that the Common Fisheries Policy, though in better shape since the 2002 reform, still suffers from a number of civilisation diseases: It is obese – suffers from an excessive number of boats chasing declining fish stocks”, Minister Gandalovič explains. If the fisheries policy wishes to be in good shape in the future, a weight reduction diet, i.e. a reduction of the fishing fleet, will be necessary. The Common Fisheries Policy also ignores the overall regime – the Commission says that it focuses on short-term objectives, rather than on long-term perspectives. It also disregards its state of health – more direct responsibility of regions and fishermen is needed. It can also improve its health checks, according to the Green Paper – the Commission states that there is a lack of political will to enforce valid rules. On top of everything comes the stress stemming from the current life conditions affected by the financial crisis, the high volatility of oil prices and an inflexible trade policy.

The diagnosis having been established, the Green Paper addresses the proposals for “treatments” and asks the “medical team” – the Member States, the fisheries sector, fishermen and others – to give their opinions and suggest a form of therapy.

“We outlined our views in the European Parliament already at the start of the Presidency. To put it simply – the future Common Fisheries Policy should make sure that consumers can get healthy fish caught in accordance with the rules for a fair price and that fishermen can earn their living in an acceptable business environment”, summed up Czech Agriculture Minister Gandalovič. As the fish stocks today represent a vulnerable commodity living in a vulnerable environment, the future CFP should also provide for sustainable exploitation of fisheries and preserve the marine environment and ecosystems for the future.

“To go into some more detail, the Common Fisheries Policy should generally be better coordinated with other EU policies and sectors; it should have a long-term outlook that takes account of the current economic, financial and political trends, and protect the marine environment and ecosystems”, explained Deputy Minister Hlaváč. He also stressed the importance of a greater use of market mechanisms, cost-effectiveness and cutting red tape. “The future EU Common Fisheries Policy should give more responsibility to regions and the fisheries sector and, finally, strengthen the role of aquaculture as a fisheries resource sustainable in the long term”,added Deputy Minister Hlaváč.

Figures: The total annual production of the Community is 7 million tonnes, fishing and aquaculture combined. The EU is the world’s third biggest producer after China (60.5 million tonnes) and Southeast Asia (9.5 million tonnes). Annual exports account for some 2 million tonnes while annual imports are 6 million tonnes. Annual consumption is about 11-12 million tonnes and global aquaculture production in general accounts for about half of the world’s consumption. About 190 000 fishermen and 88 000 fishing vessels are involved in production. The Common Fisheries Policy dates from 1983 and is reviewed about every 10 years – the last review took place in 2002. By approving the Green Paper, the Council will launch a debate between all stakeholders. The results of the debate are to be published next year and will serve as the basis for a legislative proposal that will be submitted to the Council and the Parliament.

Tereza Dvorácková
Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Agriculture