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The external dimension of the new CFP is an 'intrinsic part of the reform'

19 January 2012

In a speech on the external dimension of the new CFP to the Council of European Fisheries Ministers in November 2011, the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries emphasised that the CFP’s external dimension had two important pillars: ‘applying the principles of sustainable management globally to ensure healthy fish stocks that will build the economic basis for the European fleet, and fighting for European industries to ensure a level playing field’.

While RFMOs ‘play a crucial role’, she explained, ‘their record of success is very varied, such that firstly it should be ensured that their management decisions are underpinned by the best scientific data available, and that science needs to be rendered more robust and receive extra support from member states. Another necessary step is ensuring the measures are complied with, which means figuring out new methods for encouraging compliance and deterring non-compliance’.

She also felt that RFMO instruments to fight IUU fishing, such as the catch documentation scheme, need to be reinforced: ‘All these measures will necessitate a stronger financial base for RFMOs, which could come in part from asking vessel operators to pay a fishing fee’.

She also proposed that, to ensure sustainability, ‘the new generation of Sustainable Fisheries Agreements (SFAs) ought to be based on best scientific advice and on the "surplus" rule. This will require a more transparent overall fishing effort in third countries' waters via the inclusion of a standard clause in bilateral agreements, whereby partner countries will commit to provide information on all relevant fishing activities’. 

Editorial comment

In a context in which subsidies for European industrial fleets, including those active outside EU waters, are likely to diminish if the reform package is accepted, the important message given by the EC commissioner is that reform of the external dimension of the CFP has the objective of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the European fleet by building up their economic profitability. This depends on the state of the fish stock wherever EU fleets are active, and on ensuring a certain ‘level playing field’ for EU operators. Many of the measures highlighted, like the need for more transparency, the need to improve research and fisheries management in the third-country concerned, the need to upgrade the fight against IUU fishing, etc., could play a significant role in this context. However, the success of creating such a ‘level playing field’ may well depend on whether all parties of all RFMOs agree to pay a fishing fee, and not EU vessel-owners only. 

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