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REGIONAL interests are almost certain to play a key role when the Common Fisheries Policy is redrawn and reformed, says the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations. But it also has concerns of another over elaborate structure.
The NFFO said the European Commission has now recognised that the "one size fits all" approach of the past is at the heart of the current CFP's failings. However, it adds, that it is still not clear what this will mean in practice.
A statement said: "EU Treaties severely limit the extent to which legal decision making jurisdiction can be transferred to regional bodies, even if these are comprised of all the member states with fisheries in a given sea basin. The challenge is to find a way to decentralise policy formulation whilst leaving formal decision making structures intact. There are simple ways to do this and there are over-complex ways and the fear is now that the Commission is planning an over-elaborate structure that is as dysfunctional as the current system and simply adds another layer of bureaucracy."
The NFFO the core of a successful decentralised regional body lies with fisheries managers, fishermen and fisheries scientists from the relevant member states working together on long term management plans, technical measures.
It adds " There is a very real danger that by embracing a misplaced inclusiveness, a top-heavy and cumbersome body will result. If this is the outcome it would be a good idea – regional management – spoiled by poor implementation."
On a more positive note, the NFFO’s concrete ideas for giving the fishing industry responsibility through approved and audited sustainable fishing plans has been seen positively by the Commission and are likely to feature in the final proposals, at least as far as anyone outside the Commission’s inner circles can judge.
"WE will continue to work at the highest levels to ensure that the forthcoming reform uses all the opportunities and avoids all the pitfalls associated with the process," the NFFO pledges.
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