Today, the Fish for the Future (FFF) Bureau, a cross-party group of MEPs in the European Parliament, released a Beginner’s guide to the Common Fisheries Policy. Their message is simple “we must fish less now so we can fish more tomorrow”.
The guide offers a step-by-step breakdown of what shortcomings the CFP has today, what steps must be taken to reform it, and if these steps are taken, what the long term rewards will be not only for fish stocks but also for the fishing industry. It is packed with facts and figures which make the case for sustainable fishing practices to be implemented in the EU.
Fish for the Future wants to ensure the European fishermen have fish to catch in the future, given that two thirds of EU fish stocks are currently overfished. Over the past decade, landings have decreased by 26%, despite technological improvements onboard vessels. However, managing fish stocks above their maximum sustainable yield would increase stock sizes by 80%, provide over half a million tonnes of additional fishing opportunities to the industry, create 100,000 jobs and increase both profits and wages.
In spite of these clear benefits though, both the Council and European Parliament have voted to water down the Commission proposals regarding the maximum sustainable yield target. Now that the CFP reform is nearing its conclusion, with the Parliament plenary scheduled for early 2013, this guide clearly explains the need for the EU to implement a vision for sustainable fishing and the benefits that will come about as a result. In their words, “short term kindness will kill the fishing industry”, not to mention all the fish.