IRELAND'S Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen has outlined his country's proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy with some pointed proposals.
They include recommendations that access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles.Ireland also wants the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas and the introduction of international trading of fish quotas to be rejected.
The country's submission on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations that the Minister believes must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy.
The changes include new focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state.
It is also calling for the retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction of international trading of fish quotas.
Another demand is access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities dependant on inshore coastal fisheries.
Mr Killeen said new measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and increase quay side prices were important along with the reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route for growth in harmony with Community environmental law.
Finally, new regional structure to decision-making at EU level with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance are on Ireland's wish list.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
