Fishing: New rules will help prevent overfishing
New standards for EU vessels fishing outside EU waters.
The European Parliament has today (2nd Feb) supported new legislation designed to curb overfishing. MEPs backed a report from Greens/EFA rapporteur Linnéa Engström which sets out new standards for EU vessels fishing outside EU waters.
The measures go significantly beyond the original Commission proposal by adding the need to demonstrate that the proposed fishing is sustainable, including stricter criteria for vessels to fulfil before they can apply for an authorisation to fish outside EU waters.
Commenting after the vote, Greens/EFA rapporteur Linnéa Engström said:
"We have made concrete progress in the fight against overfishing. As a major player in the global fisheries industry, the EU has to lead by example and I am pleased to have secured agreement on some important and binding steps to deliver greater transparency and responsibility. Ensuring vessels have a clean record of compliance and making the beneficial ownership public are crucial to protecting marine ecosystems.
"There will be a number of new obligations for vessel owners when applying for permits, including the need to prove that they have fished legally and that they have not registered their boats in less scrupulous countries. With these stricter criteria, we can help protect our oceans and ensure a sustainable future for the fishing sector."
