WWF calls for long-term action on Med fisheries

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WWF is calling on the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, to act with more than short-term measures to establish a real and efficient long-term recovery for Mediterranean fish stocks.

This call comes as the High-level seminar on the state of stocks in the Mediterranean and on the Common Fisheries Policy approach is taking place in Catania, Italy,

“We are grateful for the organisation of this exceptional meeting; it clearly reflects that the European Commission is as concerned as we are with the disastrous state of Mediterranean fisheries,” said Marco Costantini, fisheries project manager at WWF Mediterranean.

“But it is crucial that we move quickly to long- term actions and don’t look for short-term solutions which would only be a sticking-plaster approach. The Mediterranean needs a genuine cure, and it is now or never if we don’t want to lose our fish and our fisheries. WWF calls on all EU Mediterranean Member States to commit to urgent actions to save Mare Nostrum and to work constructively with their neighbouring countries.”

Eight years after the entry into force of the Mediterranean Regulation that was to address the specific problems of fisheries management in the region, WWF says the situation has far from improved.

The organisation says that the state of fish stocks and fisheries in the Mediterranean is a pressing issue that cannot be dragged on any longer, but that it is not supportive of Articles 12 and 13 of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, which promote the setting up of short-term measures.

“These emergency measures would not do much apart from decreasing the fishing effort for a limited period. The Mediterranean has the same legal requirements as all other EU fisheries, therefore we are entitled to at least the same CFP implementation and enforcement standards as the Atlantic”, said Mr Costantini.

WFF says that solutions for long-term, well managed fisheries do exist and work. It also believes that engaging the governments of Mediterranean fishing nations, as well as regional organisations, is also a key factor.