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Save the Fish! says MEP
June 8, 2011 11:18 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP
Graham Watson is backing plans for changes toEurope's fisheries policy.
The MEP wants to ensure that there are more fish in the sea and more secure jobs for fishermen.
Up to 80% of fisheries are being managed unsustainably according to the European Commission, and major policy reforms are to be proposed later this year.
EU Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, has announced that she wants a science-led approach and intends to try and ban the wasteful practice of discarding fish into the sea, dead, when quotas have been exceeded.
Fisheries management will be transferred fromBrusselsto regional organisations involving local fishermen, food companies and environmentalists.
Watson says thatEurope's seas are capable of supporting many more fish than now exist, but overfishing is a major threat.
"Changes are needed urgently to ensure that people still have fish on the table in 30 years' time.
"In many European waters there are too many boats chasing too few fish. If we fail to take action we risk emptying the seas and betraying future generations.''
A tough political fight is expected, although the extent of the opposition to be overcome will only become known when the European Commission publishes the details of its plans. Watson has also called on UKIP to support the campaign.
'All mainstream parties in theUKare supporting this campaign inBrussels, but not UKIP. I call on Trevor Colman and the Earl of Dartmouth to support this campaign for a sustainable future for our huge fishing community in the South West.'
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