Progress of Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy
Author: Great Britain. Parliament. House of Lords. European Union Committee
Publisher:
Published: 2003
Total Pages: 86
ISBN-13: 9780104002278
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe Committee's report finds that the promising reform proposals for the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), recommended by the European Commission in May 2002, were seriously compromised by decisions taken by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December 2002, as a result of special pleading by EU Member States. Despite some positive aspects, the Committee has no confidence that the CFP regulation agreed upon will deliver sustainable fisheries management nor will it prevent the irreversible decline in key fish stocks, particularly cod and hake, unless it is substantially improved. The setting of total allowable catches (TAC) levels and EU funding for construction of new fishing vessels are also criticised. The report argues that transitional financial aid, linked to stock recovery plans, is needed to promote diversification of coastal economies and the development of alternative employment opportunities.