Our Coast, Our Sea - Reform should help return North Sea to former health

15 July 2011

As the European Commission this week presented its proposal for a major reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, the biggest wildlife charity in the Region agrees with UK Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon’s response that the current policy has failed.

Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation with Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: “Northumberland Wildlife Trust agrees with the Minister that the current Common Fisheries Policy has failed to manage European fish stocks in a sustainable way. It has not given us healthy fish stocks. It has resulted in more fishermen chasing less fish. Only genuine fundamental reform of this broken policy and its integration with wider marine conservation measures can turn around these failures. We must begin the process of returning UK and EU seas to their former health and productivity.”

He continued: “While, of course, we welcome the end of the unacceptable practice of throwing dead fish back to the sea, it is important to remember that discards are also important populations of fish. They should not, therefore, be considered or treated as just a by-product of fisheries. In addition, some non-quota fish, such as Gurnard, can still be discarded under this proposal despite them being perfectly edible.”
He concluded: “We would like to see our Government ensure that the Common Fisheries Policy sets steps to ensure a minimum number of fish is caught accidentally. Implications on fish populations should be considered more seriously. Science should be fully utilised and properly supported.”