UK Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon, has responded to the European Commission’s proposals to reform the Common Fisheries Policy.
Mr Benyon said: “Today’s proposals from the European Commission are a vital first step and we are ready to work with the EU and other Member States to deliver the radical reforms the marine environment and our fishermen need and the public now expects.
“Because our fisheries are so varied, I don’t believe that a one size fits all approach, from the Mediterranean to the sub-arctic region, will work effectively. There has to be the flexibility to work with the industry to introduce a range of tailored measures to tackle discards that are genuinely effective without simply turning a problem that happens at sea to a problem on land.
“This is the start of lengthy negotiations, and we will play a full part in helping to improve them. I am confident that we can make the case for the radical reform that is needed, alongside our allies at home and abroad, to grasp this once in a decade opportunity.”
