Welcome to Through the Gaps, the UK fishing industry's most comprehensive information and image resource. Newlyn is England's largest fish market and where over 50 species are regularly landed from handline, trawl, net, ring net and pot vessels including #MSC Certified #Hake, #Cornish Sardine, handlined bass, pollack and mackerel. Art work, graphics and digital fishing industry images available from stock or on commission.
Interestingly enough, the first quote of the BBC's article is not from the industry but an environmental group?!
The European Commission has unveiled major plans to reform the EU's fishing industry and stop catches being wasted. The proposal, due to take effect from 2013, would give fleets quota shares guaranteed for at least 15 years.
"Discards" will be phased out - the practice whereby up to half the catch of some fish is thrown back into the sea to avoid going above the quota.
The overall objective of the Commission's proposals for a modern and simpler Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to make fishing sustainable - environmentally, economically and socially. The new policy will bring fish stocks back to sustainable levels by ending overfishing and setting fishing opportunities based on scientific advice. It will provide EU citizens with a stable, secure and healthy food supply for the long term; it seeks to bring new prosperity to the fishing sector, end dependence on subsidies and create new opportunities for jobs and growth in coastal areas.
Why is a new policy necessary?
Europe’s fisheries policy is in urgent need of reform. Vessels are catching more fish than can be safely reproduced, thus exhausting individual fish stocks and threatening the marine ecosystem. Today, three out of four stocks are overfished: 82% of Mediterranean stocks and 63% of Atlantic stocks. The fishing industry is experiencing smaller catches and facing an uncertain future.
Against this background, the Commission is proposing an ambitious reform of the policy. This reform is about putting in place the conditions for a better future for fish and fisheries alike, as well as the marine environment that supports them. The reform will contribute to the Europe 2020 Strategy and the policy will be developed as part of the broader maritime economy to ensure more coherent policies for the EU's seas and coastal areas by working towards robust economic performance of the industry, inclusive growth and enhanced cohesion in coastal regions.
Sustainability is at the heart of the proposed reform. Fishing sustainably means fishing at levels that do not endanger the reproduction of stocks and that provide high long-term yields. This requires managing the volume of fish taken out of the sea through fishing. The Commission proposes that by 2015, stocks must be exploited at sustainable levels, defined as the highest catch that can be safely taken year after year and which maintains the fish population size at maximum productivity. This level is known as the ‘maximum sustainable yield’ (MSY). This objective is set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, and was adopted at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development as a target the world should reach by 2015.
Estimates1 show that if stocks were exploited in this way, stock sizes would increase by about 70%. Overall catches would increase by around 17%, profit margins could be multiplied by a factor of three, return on investments would be six times higher, and the gross value-added for the catching industry would rise by almost 90%, equal to € 2.7 billion over the next decade.
Fishing sustainably would also free the catching sector from depending on public support. It would make it easier to achieve stable prices under transparent conditions, bringing clear benefits for consumers. A strong, efficient and economically viable industry operating under market conditions would play a more important, active role in managing stocks.
What are the main elements of the new proposals?
The multi-annual ecosystem-based management
To rebuild a vibrant fishing economy in Europe, the marine environment must be protected more effectively. From now on, EU fisheries will be managed by multi-annual plans and governed by the ecosystem approach and the precautionary principle to ensure that the impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are limited. The fishing industry will have a better and more stable basis for long-term planning and investment. This will safeguard resources and maximise long-term yields.
Multi-annual management plans should move from the current single-stock plans to fisheries-based plans – covering more fish stocks in fewer plans, with the aim of reaching sustainable levels by 2015. Stocks not under plans will be managed through fixing fishing opportunities by Council, and other conservation and technical measures which are part of the toolbox of instruments proposed.
Banning discards
Discarding, ie the practice of throwing unwanted fish overboard, is estimated at 23% of total catches (substantially more in some fisheries!). This unacceptable practice will be phased out with a precise timeline for implementation and in combination with some flanking measures. Fishermen will be obliged to land all the commercial species that they catch. Under-sized fish cannot be sold for human consumption.
Member States shall make sure that their fishing vessels are equipped to ensure full documentation of all fishing and processing activities so as to monitor compliance with the obligation to land all catches.
This approach will lead to more reliable data on fish stocks, support better management and improve resource efficiency. It is also an incentive for fishermen to avoid unwanted catches by means of technical solutions such as more selective fishing gear.
Making fishing profitable
A system of transferable catch shares, known as 'concessions', will be introduced as from 2014 for vessels over 12 metres long and all vessels using towed gear. Based on agreed principles at EU level the concessions will be distributed by Member States in a transparent way, and will grant their owner an entitlement to a share of the national fishing opportunity for each year. Operators will be able to lease or trade their concessions within their Member state, not between Member states. The concessions will have a minimum validity of 15 years but can be recalled before expiry in case of serious infringement by the holder. Member States may create a reserve and introduce a fee for the concessions.
This new system will give the fishing industry a long-term perspective, more flexibility and greater accountability, while at the same time reducing overcapacity. Operators will have an incentive to increase their concessions while others may decide to leave the industry. It is predicted that incomes could raise by over 20% and crew wages by between 50% and over 100% by 2022 under this system2.
Support for small-scale fisheries In the EU, the small-scale fleet accounts for 77% of the total EU fleet in vessel numbers but only for 8% in tonnage (vessel size) and 32% in terms of engine power. Small-scale coastal fisheries often play an important role in the social fabric and the cultural identity of many of Europe's coastal regions. They therefore require specific support. The reformed CFP extends to 2022 the right for Member States to restrict fishing in a zone within 12 nautical miles of the coastline. Small-scale fisheries may also be exempted from the transferable fishing concessions scheme. The future financial instrument for fisheries will include measures beneficial to small-scale fisheries and will help local economies adapt to the changes.
Developing sustainable aquaculture A better framework for aquaculture will increase production and supply of seafood in the EU, reduce dependence on imported fish and boost growth in coastal and rural areas. By 2014, Member States will draft national strategic plans to remove administrative barriers and uphold environmental, social and economic standards for the farmed-fish industry. A new Aquaculture Advisory Council will be established to give advice on industry-related issues. There is a clear EU dimension in aquaculture development: strategic choices made at national level can have a bearing on such development in neighbouring Member States.
Improving scientific knowledge Reliable and up-to-date information about the state of marine resources is essential to support sound management decisions as well as effective implementation of the reformed CFP. The proposal establishes the basic rules and obligations for Member States on data collection, management, data availability and access provisions for the Commission. Member states will be entrusted with collecting, maintaining and sharing scientific data about fish stocks and the impact of fishing at sea-basin level. National research programmes will be established to coordinate this activity
Decentralised governance The Commission proposal is clarifying roles and obligations of each actor and will bring decisions closer to the fishing grounds. It will end micro-management from Brussels so that EU legislators will only define the general framework, the basic principles, the overall targets, the performance indicators and the timeframes. Member States will then decide the actual implementing measures, and will cooperate at regional level. The proposal includes provisions to ensure that the Member States concerned adopt measures which are compatible and effective. A fall-back mechanism is established for Commission action in cases where Member States cannot agree, or where the targets are not being reached.
New market policy - empowerment of the sector and better informed consumers A proposal for a new Market Policy is part of the package proposed to ensure that the organization of the common markets for fisheries products contributes to achieving the objectives of the new CFP. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the EU industry, improve the transparency of the markets, and ensure a level playing field for all products marketed in the Union.
It also includes a modernisation of the intervention regime as the current system of spending public money to destroy fish is no longer justifiable. It will be replaced by a simplified storage mechanism, which will allow producer organisations to buy up fisheries products when prices fall under a certain level, and store the products for placing on the market at a later stage. This system will foster market stability.
Producer organisations will also play a greater role in collective management, monitoring and control. Better marketing of EU fisheries and aquaculture products will help to reduce waste and provide market feedback to producers.
New marketing standards on labelling, quality and traceability will give consumers clearer information and help them support sustainable fisheries. Certain labelling information will be compulsory, for example to differentiate fisheries and aquaculture products; other claims may be supplied on a voluntary basis.
A modern and adapted financial instrument
EU financial assistance will be granted to support the sustainability objectives of the new CFP. Financial assistance will become conditional upon compliance with the rules, and this principle will apply to both Member States and operators.
For Member States, non-compliance may result in interruption, suspension or financial correction to the Union financial assistance. For operators, serious infringements may lead to banning of access to financial assistance or financial reductions. In addition, the proposal introduces the obligation for Member States, when granting financial assistance, to take into account the behaviour (in particular the absence of serious infringements) of operators in the recent past.
A proposal for a new financial instrument, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the period 2014-2020 will be made later in 2011. In the framework of the Multi-annual financial framework, the Commission proposed a budget of € 6.7 billion for the EMFF.
Taking international responsibility
Almost 85% of the world fish stocks for which information is available are reported as being either fully exploited or overexploited, according to the FAO. The EU, being the world's largest importer of fisheries products in terms of value, must act abroad as at home. The external fisheries policy must be an integrated part of the CFP. In international and regional organisations, the EU will therefore advocate the principles of sustainability and conservation of fish stocks and marine biodiversity. It will establish alliances and undertake actions with key partners to combat illegal fishing and reduce overcapacity.
In bilateral fishing agreements with non-EU countries, the EU will promote sustainability, good governance and the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Sustainable Fisheries Agreements (SFAs) will replace the existing Fisheries Partnership Agreements (FPAs) and they will ensure that the exploitation of fishery resources takes place on the basis of sound scientific advice only targeting surplus resources that the partner country cannot or does not want to fish itself. Under SFAs, partner countries shall be compensated for granting access to their fishing resources and financial assistance shall be provided to the partner countries for the implementation of a sustainable fisheries policy.
Will there by new rules on Control and Enforcement?
The proposal is consistent with the EU's new control regime from 20103 and integrates the basic elements of the control and enforcement regime for compliance with the rules of the CFP. In light of the introduction of the landing obligation to avoid discards the Commission proposes monitoring and control obligations in particular in relation to fully documented fishery, as well as pilot projects on new fisheries control technologies that contribute to sustainable fishing.
When will the reform come into effect? The new rules will come into effect once the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament have voted on the proposals. Implementation will be progressive because there is a need for the sector to adapt and to be able to deliver results. But the reform sets clear deadlines. The aim for adoption and entry into force of the new legislation is 1.1.2013.
See also: IP/11/873
1 : Impact Assessment Accompanying Commission proposal for a Regulation on the Common Fisheries Policy
2 : Impact Assessment Accompanying Commission proposal for a Regulation on the Common Fisheries Policy
3 : Council Regulations No 1005/2008 and No 1224/2009
Brussels, 13 July 2011 – In its proposals for a major reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the European Commission has set out a radical approach to fisheries management in Europe. The plans will secure both fish stocks and fishermen's livelihood for the future while putting an end to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks. The reform will introduce a decentralised approach to science-based fisheries management by region and sea basin, and introduce better governance standards in the EU and on the international level through sustainable fisheries agreements.
When presenting the proposals, Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: "Action is needed now to get all our fish stocks back into a healthy state to preserve them for present and future generations. Only under this precondition can fishermen continue to fish and earn a decent living out of their activities."
She continued: "This means that we have to manage each stock wisely, harvesting what we can but keeping the stock healthy and productive for the future. This will bring us higher catches, a sound environment and a secure seafood supply. If we get this reform right, fishermen and coastal communities will be better off in the long run. And all Europeans will have a wider choice of fresh fish, both wild and farm produced."
Sustainability and long-term solutions are the key points of today's proposals which set out the following elements:
•All fish stocks will have to be brought to sustainable levels by 2015, which is in line with the commitments the EU has undertaken internationally.
•An ecosystem approach will be adopted for all fisheries, with long-term management plans based on the best available scientific advice.
•The waste of food resources and the economic losses caused by throwing unwanted fish back into the sea, a practice known as “discarding”, will be phased-out. Fishermen will be obliged to land all the fish that they catch.
•The proposals also include clear targets and timeframes to stop overfishing; market-based approaches such as individual tradable catch shares; support measures for small-scale fisheries; improved data collection; and strategies to promote sustainable aquaculture in Europe.
•Consumers will be able to get better information on the quality and sustainability of the products they buy.
•General policy principles and goals will be prescribed from Brussels, while Member States will have to decide and apply the most appropriate conservation measures. In addition to simplifying the process, this will favour solutions tailored to regional and local needs.
•Operators throughout the fishing sector will have to make their own economic decisions to adapt fleet size to fishing possibilities. Fishermen's organizations will play a stronger role in steering market supply and increasing fishermen's profits.
•Financial support will only be granted to environmentally-friendly initiatives contributing to smart and sustainable growth. A strict control mechanism will rule out any perverse funding of illicit activities or overcapacity.
•Within international bodies and in its relations with third countries, the EU will act abroad as it does at home and promote good governance and a sound management of the sea in the rest of the world.
Background
EU fisheries are affected by several interconnected problems. Most fish stocks are being overfished by a fishing fleet that is too large and too efficient. Catches are dipping year after year and coastal communities, which often depend on fishing, watch their economic opportunities fade away. In decision making, political leaders tend to favour short-term interests rather than long-term resource conservation; and a top-down legislative approach from Brussels has so far given the sector little incentive to behave responsibly and contribute to a sustainable use of resources.
In April 2009, a Green Paper analysed the shortcomings of the current policy and opened a public consultation which lasted until the end of 2010. Input to the consultation and conclusions from several stakeholder events fed into the preparation of today's reform package, which consists of the following components:
•A legislative proposal for a new Regulation setting out the main rules of the CFP
•A legislative proposal for a new Market Policy
•A Communication on the external dimension of the CFP.
•An overarching communication explaining the links between the above
This new package is being submitted to the European Parliament and Council for adoption under the ordinary legislative procedure (co-decision). The Commission aims for adoption and entry into force of the new framework by 1 January 2013.
Later this year the Commission plans to put forward a new funding mechanism for fisheries and maritime policy, in line with the Multi-Annual Financial Framework.
For more information:
•Further details of the proposals can be found in Memo/11/503
Europeans consumers can encourage good fishing practices - this EU video was put out to pre-empt today's announcement of CFP reform - the most drastic for many years.
Europe’s fish stocks are in danger: 3 out of 4 stocks are overfished, specifically 82% of Mediterranean stocks and 63% of Atlantic ones. As a direct consequence of this overfishing, there are fewer and fewer fish in the sea and many European fishing fleets are not profitable. To address this, on 13 July the European Commission will publish the draft reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which will set out a new approach to the way we fish. This video, entitled "European consumers can encourage good fishing practices", accompanies the release of the draft reform and illustrates the role of consumers and businesses in helping to return fish stocks to health.
Europeans consumers can encourage good fishing practices.
Europe’s fish stocks are in danger: 3 out of 4 stocks are overfished, specifically 82% of Mediterranean stocks and 63% of Atlantic ones. As a direct consequence of this overfishing, there are fewer and fewer fish in the sea and many European fishing fleets are not profitable. To address this, on 13 July the European Commission will publish the draft reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which will set out a new approach to the way we fish. This video, entitled "European consumers can encourage good fishing practices", accompanies the release of the draft reform and illustrates the role of consumers and businesses in helping to return fish stocks to health.
Press conference by Maria DAMANAKI, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edited highlights broadcast later here.
Local artist and graphic designer Paul Betowski recently partnered up with writer Fiona Thompson to create the Cornish crab poster, for 26 Flavours of Cornwall. The 26 Flavours of Cornwall exhibition is at Trebah Garden, near Falmouth and runs from the 1st to the 26th July 2011.
Local Newlyn fisherman Mike Mahon was never one to pull any punches when it came to criticising what he saw as Brussels' failur to deal with the discards - he even tried to make a case that it was illegel under maritime law, which prevents the intentional dumping of anything at sea!
For many years, haddock shots of this size were never a feature of the fish market at Newlyn - such trips were the result of a relatively recent shift in fish movement, somthing the quota system - largely based on historical records - could never adequately respond to fairly it seems.
Long-awaited proposals to reform the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) will be unveiled on Wednesday. Measures to cut overfishing, reduce the number of vessels, and banning fish discards at sea are set to be out by Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki. In 2009, the European Commission said the CFP had failed to sustainably manage fish stocks and had to change.
Environmental groups have long voiced concerns that CFP was allowing too many vessels catch depleted fish stocks.
Gwennap Head was an early casualty in the last round of big cuts to the Coastguard servics back in the 1980s - many of these stations, like Gwennap Head at Land's End, are now manned by volunteers for the National Coastwatch Institutiion.
Plans to close coastguard stations around Britain will be scaled back by ministers this week after warnings that the cuts could put lives at risk - so goes this article from the Sunday Telegraph - congratulations to all those who campaigned tirelesly to cut the cuts - a big victory for commen sense, local Cornish MP Sheryll Murray must be pleased.
