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EU: Common Fisheries Policy

Answer

There is no single solution to discards. They occur for a variety of different reasons, and so different solutions are needed to address the specific causes. It is not as simple as banning discards, as experience shows that it is difficult to enforce, and that discards still occur but are just not recorded. The focus must be on developing and implementing practical and effective measures in partnership with the industry that deliver results. In my earlier response to the Lord Eden of Winton, I outlined the excellent work that the UK Government are doing domestically on this issue. A significant part of the problem is the way fisheries are managed and the Government have made clear that tackling discards must be a priority for common fisheries policy (CFP) reform. I am delighted that at the high level political meeting on discards on 1 March the EU Commission and other member states were able to agree on this too. It is now a matter for member states and the EU to agree the detail which will determine the solutions that are put in place for 2013. The UK Government will use their excellent experience to shape and influence the outcome of the reform. Under a reformed CFP, the Government want to see a regionalised management framework, where those closest to the fishery have the flexibility to use a range of measures appropriate to local circumstances in order to meet high level objectives to reduce discards.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

7350; 726 c36WA

Session

2010-12

Related items

EU: Common Fisheries Policy
Monday, 28 February 2011
Written questions
House of Lords

Subjects

Common fisheries policy Fishing catches Reform

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk