International environmental group, Oceana, has commended the Environment, Public Health and Food Security Committee of the European Parliament on its rejection of amendments to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The committee rejected amendments which it said wasted taxpayer’s money and weaken the reform process of the fisheries sector. Rejected amendments included subsidies aimed at reintroducing the building of new boats – a measure that was phased out in the previous reform because of its damage on marine resources – subsidies to provide fishing vessels with new engines and funding to scrap old boats and to pay for temporary termination.
Vanya Vulperhorst, policy officer, Oceana Europe, told World Fishing & Aquaculture: “To allow the fisheries sector to climb out of its downwards spiral of declining stocks, jobs and profitability, funding should instead be allocated to marine protected areas, scientific research to increase the knowledge on European stocks, and more funding for control measures.”
She added: “Funding should also be prioritised for fishermen that use the resources in the most ecologically sustainable way. This is the only way to have true reform and ensure the long term profitability and sustainability of the sector.”
Oceana says that funds need to be directed at measures that ensure the stability, productivity and health of marine resources for a sustainable future.
