MEPS CRITICISE UNREALISTIC COMMISSION PLAN ON MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

MEPs criticise unrealistic Commission plan on marine ecosystems.

• Commission action plan lacks balance between the protection of biodiversity and the fishing industry
• MEPs question the “too simplistic approach” from the Commission in relation to bottom trawling
• European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) should be used to support transition to more selective fishing techniques

 According to the Fisheries Committee, the opposition between the industry and the protection of biodiversity has reached a dead end, even as both objectives can be achieved simultaneously.

With 20 votes in favour, four against and no abstentions, the Fisheries Committee expressed its dissatisfaction with the proposals made in the Commission’s action plan on marine ecosystems. MEPs want other priorities and strategies to be taken in consideration, such as ensuring food security and EU strategic autonomy.

MEPs propose an integrated ecosystem-based approach, promoting synergies between all maritime activities and fostering cooperation between marine energy infrastructures. They also emphasise the importance of ensuring a level playing field with non-EU countries.

The Commission did not consult interested parties for the action plan, they say, price increases were not adequately considered, and representatives from EU countries were concerned about a “too simplistic approach” towards bottom trawling restrictions in marine protected areas.

Noting that mobile bottom gear catches account for 25% of total catches in the EU, MEPs are particularly critical of the Commission proposal to eliminate bottom trawling in all marine protected areas by 2030. They say it may pose a risk to food security or lead to an increase in imports of products captured using mechanisms under restricted use in EU.

MEPs also raise the issue of the amount of EU vessels operating with mobile bottom contacting equipment and the probable economic and social impact in many coastal regions of the proposed measures.

The Fisheries Committee says tangible progress towards more sustainable fisheries in the context of the Common Fisheries Policy “came at high costs” for fishing communities. Therefore, they stress the need to bring on board fishers and companies when planning actions to restore marine ecosystems. MEPs argue the EMFAF should be used to support the transition of EU fishing fleets to more selective fishing techniques, to help fishers most affected by the restrictions and to mitigate the impact of the measures.

Next steps

MEP Francico Guerreiro (Greens, PT), who voted against, will table a minority position. The rapporteur Niclas Herbst (EPP, DE) assured he made an effort to represent all opinions.

This initiative will be discussed and voted in one of the next plenary sessions.

Background

On 21 February 2023 the Commission presented an action plan to restore marine biodiversity with the purpose of achieving a better implementation of environmental legislation and fisheries policies. The purpose is to make fishing practices more sustainable by improving gear selectivity and protecting 30% of the seas.

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