Baltic cod quota cuts proves hard blow on fishermen
Staff Writer |
Association of national organisations of fishing enterprises Europêche deems the Council of Ministers’ agreed cod quota reduction represents “a huge blow on fishermen.”
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"It is simply terrible for the fishermen who have their fishing activities in the Baltic Sea - they have been dealt a huge blow by the Council of Ministers decision," said President of Europêche, Javier Garat.
"This will in particular affect coastal fishing because the quota in 2017 is eroding their revenues and thus fishermen's incomes dramatically," he stated.
In addition, the fishing body regrets that the majority of ministers did not go to battle for the industry but chose to react on the misinformation from NGOs that the cod was at risk of collapse.
According to the European association, the proposal from the industry would have given an increased stock of cod in the western Baltic Sea, but it would take a little longer before stock target would be reached.
Unfortunately, also Commissioner Vella chose the radical interpretation of the biological advice and chose principles above the survival of the industry.
Garat continued: "The decision was taken without regard for the fishermen who must be given the economical opportunity to make ends meet. We already have a growing cod stock, but there will not be local fishermen to catch them after 2017. This is of course not acceptable seen from the fishing side."
In addition to "the extreme and unnecessary quota reduction in the Western Baltic," he stresses the Council of Ministers in its adoption also decided that the fishermen again must have a closing period - now extended by two weeks to last from February 1 to March 31.
"However, there will be an exception for vessels up to 15m who are allowed to fish out to a water depth of 20m all year round. ■
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