On 1 January 2010, a set of new, strong rules will enter into force to bolster the control system of the European Union''s Common Fisheries Policy.
These rules will give the EU and its Member States new and powerful tools not only to protect the resources of our seas and oceans from unscrupulous operators, but also to protect the livelihoods of honest fishermen who would otherwise be exposed to unfair competition.
With no preferential treatment from one country to another and no real temptation to cheat, because offenders will not be allowed to get away scot-free, the new system will enable fishermen to ply their trade under the same conditions, thus promoting a culture of compliance throughout the fisheries sector.
The new frameworkcomprises three separate, yet interlinked Regulations:A Regulation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU Regulation), a Regulation on fishing authorisations for the EU fleet operating outside EU waters, and a Regulation establishing a control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (Control Regulation).
Fight against illegal fishing
The new IUU Regulation will put a stop to products from illicit activities entering the EU market, because all marine fishery products traded with the EU will be certified and their origin will be traceable. A comprehensive catch certification scheme will make sure that the fish caught, landed, brought to market and sold can be tracked at any stage of the process – from net to plate.
Responsible Fishing outside the EU
The fishing authorisations Regulation, in force since October 2008, establishes a single, coherent framework for EU vessels fishing outside EU waters under fisheries partnership agreements, conventions signed within Regional Fisheries Organisations or private agreements with third countries. With this, the EU is setting a good example of sound management at international level and showing that it is serious about protecting seas and oceans throughout the world.
Stronger, more efficient fisheries controls
The new Control Regulation backs up the traceability system introduced by the IUU regulation and uses modern technologies to track fisheries products through every step of the market chain. This simpler, fairer, more effective and less costly control system will ultimately benefit all concerned, from government administrations to operators and consumers.
