The European Commission's proposal to upgrade the EU framework for the collection, management and use of the data for fisheries was broadly welcomed in an opinion from Olgierd Geblewicz, during its meeting of the CoR's Commission for Natural Resources yesterday. Introducing the opinion to local and regional decision makers, the Marshal of Westpomerania region noted that open and interoperable data is crucial to improve the scientific advice used for the long-term management and sustainability of fisheries and fish stocks, as provided for under the Common Fisheries Policy.
"From a regional and local point of view, fishing is a very important part of the economy, especially in coastal areas. With this new simplified system, complemented by my proposals for additional consultations with local government in the regions where fishing plays an important role, we can reinforce coordination and understanding of EU-wide fishing policies" the rapporteur explained.
The new regulations under the Common Fisheries Policy mean that the current data scheme needs to be improved. The amendments should also ensure that local and regional authorities can benefit from the findings. Specifically, the rapporteur points to extending data regulations for aquaculture, which has become one of the pillars of the new Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union and a key driver for many regional economies. Ecosystem-based fisheries management is another important step in the context of responsible fishing, but the introduction of this type of management requires a lot of data, allowing for a balanced and responsible approach to fishing could work without causing significant and irreversible damage to the environment.
Local governments rely on the latest data to support their knowledge and improve fisheries management. Turning to his experience as Marshal of Westpomerania in Poland, Geblewicz said: "We have a long maritime coastline, with many ports and fishing harbors. With a stronger framework for data, we will be able to make an even more effective use of the available funds and thereby better support coastal communities and improve knowledge on the functioning of the fisheries".