In a European Parliament fisheries vote today, MEPs rubberstamped a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which lacks ambition and sees little departure from the current policy's failings.

GUE/NGL MEP João Ferreira comments: “It is quite clear that over the last three decades the CFP has been a failure, centralised management has been far removed from the reality of the profound diversity of the fisheries sector in Europe, resulting in dreadful social, economic and environmental outcomes.

“Throughout the whole process of discussions on the reform, we have witnessed the constraints of the current CFP framework which does not allow resources to be managed at grassroots level. However we should be managing at the grassroots level, as this is best for sustainability. One of the pillars of this reform is also linked to the MFF, which remains deadlocked in an inter-institutional conflict that is yet to be solved.”

He added: “The result of this vote proves the old adage that something must change for everything to remain the same.”

Following a related oral question on North-East Atlantic mackerel fishery that was raised in the chamber yesterday evening, GUE/NGL MEP Martina Anderson comments: “We are still waiting for the Commission to propose a viable and sustainable solution to the question of fishing quotas in the North-East Atlantic, one that reflects the increasing stock number.

“Member states which abused their previous allocation should be sanctioned and not rewarded. Overfishing by one country can have devastating effects on others and it is up to the Commission to prevent this. I sincerely hope to see a fast and fair deal to prevent any further disruption in this fragile area and to the livelihoods of those who rely on it.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20