An influential group of back-bench MPs today called for a ''sea change'' in the way fisheries are managed in the future.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) has published its report on EU proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Commenting Giles Bartlett, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF said:
"It is reassuring that this influential group of MPs is calling for an urgent change in the way fisheries are managed through the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Multi-annual plans on the basis of fisheries are a significant step forward, but the delivery mechanisms, responsibilities and timescales must be clarified.
"It is crucial the UK Government takes a lead to ensure the responsibility for the management of these plans is decentralised to regional stakeholders. If we want to secure a thriving marine environment then fishermen, officials, scientists, industry and NGOs need to be recognised as co-managers of their fisheries, working together to implement multi-annual plans.
"Action must also be taken to ensure Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is achieved at the earliest opportunity, and not delayed until 2020.”
