On the eve of Sweden taking over the European Union presidency, Eskil Erlandasson, Swedish minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, on Tuesday set out his vision for the six-month term.
Speaking to a gathering of North Sea Regional Advisory Council (NSRAC) members in Gothenburg, Sweden, Erlandsson said moving reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) forward was a major goal.
“Along with drawing attention to animal health and aiming to reduce further the EU’s use of fossil fuels, it is vital that we highlight the issue of long term sustainability and legality within fisheries,” he explained. “Any new policy needs to achieve economic viability and healthy stocks and be flexible enough to cope with a changing world.”
Erlandsson believes that the role of RACs (regional advisory councils) should be strengthened in the reform of the CFP and more weight attached to their policy advice. RACs are made up of fishermen’s representatives, along with NGOs and other stakeholders with an interest in an area’s fisheries.
“By strengthening policy in discussions with those who catch fish, I believe we can strengthen their willingness to abide by the decisions and regulations created,” said Erlandsson.
One ambitious goal is to close a deal by October or November on the reform of the control regulation, which currently uses TACs (total allowable catch) and quotas to manage EU fisheries. Another goal is to concentrate on a favorable agreement with Norway over fishing rights.
“It is important that we use but not abuse our resource,” said Erlandsson. “We also need to regain consumer confidence in the sustainable future of our inshore and offshore fisheries, so new management plans must concentrate on ensuring that stocks are fished legally and that fishermen feel a new loyalty to them.”
A green paper on the reform of the CFP is currently out for consultation, with replies due by 31 December. According to EU Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg, the commission is not looking for just another reform.
“It is time to design a modern, simple and sustainable system for managing fisheries in the EU, which is able to last well into the 21st century,” said Borg.
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