The Discard Action Group (DAG) has written to Maria Damanaki to emphasise the importance of discard reduction, within long-term management plans, as a tool for achieving sustainable fishing.
The Group, which plays a pivotal role in mediating a common approach to discard issues affecting the whole seafood supply chain, wanted to register its concerns to the EU’s Commissioner for Fisheries about certain provisions within the current proposed CFP reform proposals and its related legislation.
Chair of DAG, Mike Park, who is the Executive Chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producer’s Association and a Seafish Board Member, said:
“This is in fact the third time we have written to the EU Commission on CFP reform proposals, and we have had positive responses from the Commissioner to our previous letters.
“We are in agreement with the general objectives of the reform proposals namely to ensure long-term sustainability, work towards achieving maximum sustainable yield and implementing an ecosystem-based approach. We are also encouraged by the specific objective to eliminate unwanted catches of commercial stocks.
“However clarification is needed in fundamental areas. It is important that CFP reform is aligned with environmental legislation; that the requirement for Member States to co-operate to establish and follow management plans is formalised; and that data collection is incorporated into all management plans.”
DAG suggests that a much clearer framework for the establishment of long-term management plans is needed within which fishermen can, under the guidance and supervision of regional bodies, experiment with various technical measures (and fishing patterns) in order to reduce their discards and their impact on fish stocks and the marine ecosystem.
Mr Park continued:
“In addition we recommend that incentives (and disincentives where necessary) must be built into all fisheries management plans. Fishermen need to be rewarded for fishing more selectively and discarding less, whereas those who choose to ‘fish as usual’ should not enjoy a relative advantage.”
DAG is dedicated to reducing discards and is supportive of the many initiatives currently being tried by the industry as a whole to address this complex problem. In particular DAG is looking at the legislative, gear technology, science and data, and marketing aspects of discard reduction.
