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UK welcomes fishing policy reform proposals

   

NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 88/09
Date: 22 April 2009

UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has welcomed far-reaching proposals for the future of European fisheries.

The European Commission today published its thoughts on reform of the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)  to achieve more sustainable management of fish stocks.  These are due to be discussed by Fisheries Ministers this week.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“The case for radical reform is undeniable. I want the UK to play a leading role in making it happen.

“We want ambitious reform that integrates fisheries management with that of the wider marine environment.  We need a reformed CFP to focus more effectively on achieving sustainable fisheries and to devolve appropriate powers and responsibilities.  We need more emphasis on long-term planning supported by robust science.

“We also need to tackle the waste of dead fish being thrown back in the sea and to enable fishermen to land more fish whilst catching less.”

Notes to Editors

  1. A new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) regulation is due to be adopted by the end of 2012. The Commission will present the Green Paper to Fisheries Council on 23/24 April. The CFP was last reformed in 2002.
  2. Defra is working with and consulting all devolved administrations in order to submit a UK-wide response to the Green Paper.

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Page published: 22 April 2009