MEPS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BLUE ECONOMY

MEPs highlight the importance of the blue economy. Fisheries MEPs have stressed the importance of fisheries in the blue economy, calling for more funds for sustainable fishing and to prevent waste dumping, in a resolution adopted on Wednesday this week.

MEPs on the Fisheries Committee welcomed a new EU’s sustainable blue economy strategy, covering all economic activities relating to oceans and seas. However, they regretted the lack of direction for fisheries and aquaculture, suggesting to guide them towards responsible and sustainable use of natural resources, fostering healthy marine environment, stimulating job creation and economic opportunities.

The Committee on Fisheries urged the Commission and the Member States to boost investment possibilities for modern and sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, for fishing gear that does not harm environment, as well as for diversification of coastal, remote and overseas communities economies. MEPs listed a European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, Recovery and Resilience Mechanism and Horizon Europe programme as possible sources of investment.

Fisheries MEPs warned that the dumping of waste at sea is harmful to the environment, results in heavy economic losses and put human health at risk. They welcomed available EU’s tools to fund fishers’ efforts to recover, reuse and recycle lost fishing gear and other marine litter. To make it a full success MEPs asked to increase the awareness raising campaigns and training for fishers in this field.

MEPs highlighted the importance of establishing bilateral partnerships with third countries on sustainable fishing and on the fight against illegal fishing. They should follow the highest environmental, economic and social sustainability criteria in order to ensure EU’s fishing fleets competitiveness, Fisheries MEPs stressed.

The draft resolution “Towards a sustainable blue economy in the EU: the role of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors”, drafted by EP rapporteur Isabel Carvalhais (S&D, PT), was adopted by 13 votes to 11 and 4 abstentions. It now needs to be voted on by the full house of the Parliament, possibly during the April session.