"The region of Galicia fully supports the objectives of reducing the impact of the fishing sector on marine ecosystems, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources in the sector and limiting its dependence on fossil fuels. However we are calling for a balanced approach for the Common Fisheries Policy. Proposals have been widely rejected by the European Parliament and Council due to lack of balance between fisheries and environmental policy, inadequate addressing of sectorial problems (generational replacement), and failure to ensure food security and strategic sovereignty in food production." Jesús Gamallo Aller (ES/EPP) the CoR Rapporteur on The Common Fisheries Policy on the ground: towards sustainable and resilient coastal communities in the EU made these remarks during an exchange of views held at the NAT Commission meeting which took place in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Poland.
Gamallo Aller who serves as Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union for the Region of Galicia explained that fishing is of utmost importance to the region of Galicia contributing 1.8% to the region's GDP, and supporting nearly 3% of regional jobs. Hence, the region actively participated in the debates surrounding the evaluation report of the current Common Fisheries Policy. He added that he is now looking forward to hearing the views of other European regions and municipalities during a stakeholders meeting scheduled on June 19th to shape an opinion that defends the interests of coastal towns and cities in Europe while upholding commitment to the European Green Deal.
Gamallo Aller said that that the communication on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy does not propose a reform, however, the action plan encourages Member States to establish a timetable with fisheries management measures for marine protected areas which unfairly portrays trawling as harmful, disregarding the varying impacts of different bottom gears, despite trawling being used in a small percentage (3%) of the marine area. He stressed that the import reliance for fish consumption in the EU puts the European fishing sector at a competitive disadvantage, as European fishermen are held to higher standards than third country fishermen. Furthermore, efforts made by the sector to improve gear selectivity and energy efficiency are not recognized, and there are regulatory brakes.
The CoR Rapporteur added that fishing sector is disproportionately affected by climate change and asked to make significant contributions to mitigating it. He outlined the need for more research and innovation for decarbonization. He stressed that the fishing, shellfish, and aquaculture sector in Galicia strongly opposes the proposed package as such measures will endanger seafood supply and the livelihoods of fishermen, which generate a significant portion of the EU fleet's income.