The EU’s Fisheries Policy must preserve small-scale local costal fishing and better balance environmental, social and economic sustainability
The Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted an opinion on "The Common Fisheries Policy on the ground: towards sustainable and resilient coastal communities in the EU" at the 29 November Plenary Session.
Given their knowledge of local marine ecosystems, local and regional authorities' participation is vital for the effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Regions play a leading role notably in fisheries and aquaculture management, oversight and surveillance, marine research and management of licences. CoR members hence call on the strengthening of the involvement of local actors and stakeholders and on the need to lay down clearer and more practical objectives, reflecting the specific characteristics of each EU region.
Rapporteur Jesús Gamallo Aller (ES/EPP), Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union, Region of Galicia, said: "The future of the Common Fisheries Policy is the future of Europe. On fisheries depends not only the health of the oceans and marine ecosystems, but the food security and strategic sovereignty of an entire continent, as well as the well-being and prosperity of its coastal communities. My region, Galicia, which accounts for 4% of fisheries and 16% of aquaculture of the EU, is aware of its socio-economic and environmental importance, and that is why we have drawn up this opinion: to ensure that the sector's ecological transition takes place without harming the activity and the thousands of people who depend on it.”
Climate change has an important impact on marine ecosystems, fish populations and society. The CoR reiterates the commitment to achieve the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and call on the Commission to strengthen the implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
Moreover, aquaculture plays a key role in food security and jobs in coastal communities. Any future reform of the CFP should promote the sustainable development of aquaculture, technological innovation, as well as the social dimension. Better working conditions and the harmonization of qualifications will ensure the generational renewal of workers in the sector.
Local and regional authorities further emphasise the role of small-scale coastal fishing as decisive factor in encouraging people to remain in coastal areas and in promoting a dynamic local economy, especially in the outermost regions, and therefore demand political and financial support.
Finally, CoR members stress the importance of sustainable partnerships with neighbouring countries to jointly ensure resilient and equitable fisheries management, and the importance of common marketing standards for a fair and global fisheries market.