The CFP reform Watch web site summed up yesterday's 'proceedings in EU Parliament' following the discards debate. Although the motion was apparently to be overturned by a French led delegation (see beginning of article) - though it seems from sources inside the industry this was not what the professional fishermen of France wanted - the outcome achieved was their goal too!
With instant global lines of communication it would be good to see even more key industry players making comments - the evidence was there yesterday - search on Twitter for #CFPReform and #discards for the evidence!
Hugh's FishFight despite bringing the discards debate to the table of many who might have sought to take it off the main menu has at least raised the debate above the level of politics. HFW was right on one thing when he says, "I am not a specialist, I only see a problem, I don't have the solution". Now it is up to the industry to lead on the more practical aspects of reducing (no discards is not a practicable option for the majority of fisheries) discards - with examples like the Brixham beam trawler 50% leading by example.
As Richard Lockheed has acknowledged and stated publicly, there is not one single solution that will sort this issue - time for all hands to keep up the pressure and avoid a simplistic response from the authorities coming over the horizon - to be avoided at all costs!
Fisheries press conference following the day's proceedings in EU parliament.
Council of the European Union - Agriculture and Fisheries
Fisheries - Press conference
Monday, March 19, 2012 at 19.00