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A North West Euro-MP is aiming to make sure that there are plenty more fish in the sea.
Liberal Democrat Chris Davies, MEP for North West England, has tabled more than 100 amendments in the European Parliament aimed at putting Europe's Common Fisheries Policy on a sustainable basis.
The MEP holds a key role in the law-making process that has given him the opportunity to take the lead in putting forward his ideas.
He says fish stocks across the world are declining rapidly, and Europe's modern fishing fleet is said to be landing fewer fish now than the wooden sailing vessels of 100 years ago.
Davies insists that fishing must in future be based on scientific advice aimed at restoring the long term health of fish stocks.
Davies said: "Year after year the governments of Europe have ignored the scientists and set quotas on the basis of short term thinking.
"It has been a dreadful mistake but it's not too late to change. Our seas are capable of supporting many more fish than exist now but only if we give stocks a chance to recover."
Reforms to the policy have been proposed by the European Commission and have the support of the UK Government. Crucial votes by ministers and MEPs are expected in June.
The plans call for the long term management of fisheries, and for a ban on the discard, dead, of unwanted fish that are thrown back into the sea.
In his amendments Davies is calling for extra measures to improve the science, force ministers to stick to recovery plans, and ensure that all information is made public.
Davies said: "Fishermen don't like change and will object to many of the plans, but we cannot go on as we are.
"It's immoral to make no use of fish we catch. More selective fishing gear can be used but many fishermen will only make the investment when the discard of fish is banned.
"In future everything must be landed, and then for the first time we will know exactly how many fish are being caught."
The MEP strongly rejects claims that the decline in fish numbers is solely the fault of European policy. He says that British fish stocks were in steep decline long before the Common Fisheries Policy was created in 1983.
He said: "Outside the 12-mile limit Europe's seas are a common asset but the controls have been too weak. We need a policy that works for everyone and gives a good future to fish and to fishermen."
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