What is the Common Fisheries Policy?
The CFP is Europe's regulatory regime governing fisheries in EU waters.
Each Member State is given an annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that is distributed so each country has relative stability of fishing activities. More recent controls have involved limits on fishing efforts and technical conservation measures such as selective fishing gear design and the use of Real Time Closures (RTCs).
The Policy has been criticised by some as being top down, over centralised and having only at best a mixed performance in managing Europe's fisheries.
The European Commission has published a Green Paper, seeking views on proposed reforms to the CFP.
What is the Green Paper?
This is a consultative document which was published by the European Commission on April 22, 2009. It was presented to Member States at the April Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.
The paper highlights a number of issues experienced by Europe's fisheries including:
- Overcapacity
- Integrating fisheries policy with other marine policies
- The need to reduce short term management and introduce long term objectives
- How to promote a greater industry contribution to, and responsibility for, the management of fisheries
What is the Scottish Government doing?
The Scottish Government will be responding directly to the European Commission.
This will be informed by the IFFM Interim Report and meetings and workshops with stakeholders and partners. Along with these, the Scottish Government will be co-hosting an international conference of experts in November.
The Scottish Government will also be working with the other devolved administrations and the UK Government to develop a UK reponse to the Green Paper.
Of equal importance are the views of the public and comments on this topic from across Scotland are eagerly welcomed.
How do I get involved?
You can submit your comments either by responding to the Fishing Secretary's blog or by emailing them to james.muldoon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk