MEPs debated the management of fishing fleets in the outermost regions (ORs) this evening at the European Parliament.

These are the most remote regions of the EU that benefit from cohesion policy funding due to a number of difficulties related to their geographical characteristics.

GUE/NGL MEP João Ferreira from Portugal, a country with two ORs (Madeira and the Azores), expressed support for the measures proposed:

“This report recognises that the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is inadequate to the needs of the outermost regions, therefore representing a step in the right direction but one that requires, minimally, corrective changes to legislation.”

“We therefore support the proposal for a new POSEI scheme for fisheries to combat the permanent disadvantages these regions face as well as proposals for modernisation and renewal of fishing fleets.”

“We will continue to fight for the expansion of the Exclusive Economic Zone from the current 100 miles to 200 miles for the fishing fleets of the outermost regions. Likewise, we support affirmative action towards small-scale fisheries bearing in mind the achievement of environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives.”

French MEP Younous Omarjee authored an opinion on behalf of the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI):

“In Réunion, the island in the Indian Ocean where I am from, our inhabitants fish 0.16 per cent of the total amount fished. This represents less than 2,600 tonnes of the 1.6 million tons fished in our waters by international fleets of the EU. This is an injustice that our amendment wishes to correct, for a strict respect of the principle of sustainability.”

“We must support the outermost regions so that fisheries can contribute to the economic development of these marginalised areas,” Omarjee concluded.