This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Common Fisheries Policy
28/05/2002
The European Commission's legislative proposals on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy were published today.
In Brussels Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, said it was "make or break time" for European fishermen and that reform of the CFP was necessary.
He said: "Today we have fired the starting shot for a socially, economically and environmentally healthy EU fishing sector."
In response Minister for Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie said:
"The review offers opportunity for serious debate aimed at creating a sustainable future for fisheries and communities dependent on fishing. Although it is too early to comment on the proposals in any great detail, I am encouraged to see that the Commission appear not to have not shied away from proposing a thorough and innovative rethink of the fisheries policy.
"Some key Scottish objectives for the review are well represented in the proposals. For example, there is a reasonably positive approach to the need to make permanent 6 and 12 mile limits, to maintain the principle of relative stability and to set up regional advisory committees. These have been important elements of the initial UK position - which was drawn up in conjunction with the Executive.
"The Commission have highlighted the need for cuts in Fishing Effort. We cannot shy away from this issue and we have already been pragmatic by bringing in decommissioning. So long as the Commission take account of what we have already done, I support the general principle of reducing effort.
"Months of tough negotiations lie ahead and the Scottish Executive will participate as a key member of the UK team. In developing our negotiating strategy for the review, we will be consulting fully with key stakeholders so we can work together to create a sustainable future for Scotland's sea fishery."
The papers published today were:
- a Communication from the Commission on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (the so-called "Roadmap")
- draft Proposal for a Council Regulation (i.e. the replacement CFP regulation) on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy
- An associated Explanatory Memorandum to the above Framework Regulation
- a draft Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 2792/1999 laying down detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector
- a draft Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing an emergency Community measure for scrapping fishing vessels
- a Communication from the Commission setting out a Community Action Plan to integrate environmental protection requirements into the Common Fisheries Policy
- a Communication from the Commission setting out a Community Action Plan for the eradication of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing