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European Commissioner Maria Damanaki presented yesterday (15 December) at the Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels her proposal for sanction measures against third countries that permit non-sustainable fishing in their waters.
This proposal has been developed by the European Commission on the request by the EU fishing industry and in the light of the mackerel dispute between the EU/Norway on the one hand, and Iceland and the Faroe Islands on the other, over the latter two countries massive increase in mackerel quotas to record levels in only few years that is outside scientific advice for responsible and sustainable fishing.
Gerard van Balsfoort, chairman of the Northern Pelagic Working Group of EAPO, said: “The EU mackerel industry, organised in the European Association of Fish Producer Organisations, applauds the initiative taken by the European Commission although it has taken quite some time before it is has been brought to the Council.
“We support the aim of the proposal to decide trade measures against those third countries that according to the proposal ‘allow non-sustainable fishing’ and ‘fail to cooperate with the Union in the management of a stock of common interest’ and do so ‘without giving due regard to the rights, interests and duties of others including the European Union’.
“EAPO is confident the quick implementation of these trade measures proposals will be the catalyst to resolve the mackerel dispute in an expedious and balanced manner. During the further discussions on this proposal EAPO will of course give its input to the Council, European Parliament and member states to target the proposal even more.”
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