EU/Fisheries : European ship owners deeply concerned about impact of high oil prices on fisheries sector

In a letter to the Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe BORG, the Chairman of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament, Philippe MORILLON, and the President of the Council of the EU, Fernand BODEN, the Presidents of Europêche, Niels WICHMANN, and COGECA « Fisheries », José Ramon FUERTES GAMUNDI, today expressed their deep concern about the unbearable and ongoing high oil prices in Europe.

“The disastrous situation of fishermen and their enterprises adds to the serious difficulties already facing the sector as a result of the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (restriction of the fishing effort, management plans, reconstitution of certain fish stocks, …), the two Presidents say. In addition, markets are deregulated, prices are down and imports from third countries are badly controlled.

All maritime Member States in the EU are affected by the high oil prices which compel ship owners to stop their fishing activities as a consequence of the unbearable increase in production costs. This situation does not only affect the profitability of the fishing enterprises, it also entails social problems for fishermen.”

Presidents WICHMANN and FUERTES GAMUNDI also stress the importance of the fuel factor in the operating costs of the fishery industry and the fact that, as the sector depends on a market where buyers determine prices by auction sales, producers are prevented from passing on high oil prices to consumers.

They urge the EU to take long-term Community measures, in particular in the framework of the FIFG/EFF (e.g. support for the development of alternative energy sources or setting-up of a fuel insurance fund). “At stake are the competitiveness of the fishing structures and the development of an economically viable fishing industry », the two Presidents add, and they therefore request DG “Fisheries and Maritime Affairs” and “Competition” without delay finally to take measures to remedy the crisis in a way that is equivalent for all EU Member States.

Europêche represents the private fisheries industry in Europe. Currently, following countries are represented: BE, DK, DE, EL, ES, FR, IE, IT, NL, SE, UK, MT.

COGECA « Fisheries » represents the fisheries and harbour co-operatives in Europe. Currently, following countries are represented: DK, DE, EL, ES, FR, IE, IT, NL, EE, CY, MT, PL, SL.