EU Parliament Agrees On Strategy On Pacific Tunaff
14 October 2013
European Union
Reactions to parliament’s report on a comprehensive EU fishery strategy in the Pacific region have identified a willingness of MEPs to negotiate with the Western and Central Pacific area for a long-term fisheries strategy. Focus will be on improving coordination of EU policies, multiplying mutual benefits and raising the EU’s profile in this strategic area, which holds over 50% of the world’s largest tuna stocks.
The report on the comprehensive program was adopted in full by a huge majority. Only one compromise amendment was rejected. The strategy will aim to form an integral part of the EU’s new approach to form relations with Pacific countries.
Gesine Meissner, parliament’s ALDE group shadow rapporteur said: “I welcomed the initiative as it is part of a significant change in EU fisheries policy. In my mind the external dimension of EU fisheries policy should be based on three pillars: sustainability, partnership and a realistic approach that the EU fleet is only one player out there.â€
“Our boats cannot change the whole story but should be fishing according to high standards and be setting an example for others. If we are serious about changing the fish stock situation then we have to work together with China, Russia, the USA and Japan.â€
The EU’s main objectives are to promote the social and economic development of the region through adaptations to climate change and external trade and in turn promote sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. This will mean implementing transparent fisheries management, which is one of the main problems in the high seas areas within the Western Central Pacific, due to the lack of agreement among the large tuna fishing nations within the RFMO.
The fight against IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing practices is also one of the main concerns of parliament and a major issue in the Pacific region.
Maurice Ponga, parliaments’ DEVE committee opinion rapporteur said: “As an MEP representative of the French Pacific Islands I’m pleased that the European Parliament has adopted this resolution. It sends a strong political signal to the countries of this region that the European Parliament and the European Union are interested in you – we should become partners.
“For me, enhancing our relationships with the Pacific is a self-evident necessity, because it is the region of the future. The EU should therefore be present in the region, notably to promote responsible fisheries and to help developing countries in the Pacific establish sustainable policies in this area.â€
Improved management of EU development aid is highlighted in the report because no assistance has previously been provided either nationally or locally for modernizing or creating a new fisheries infrastructure.
Ulrike Rodust, parliaments S&D group shadow rapporteur said: “I supported this report because I believe that regional management through international cooperation is key to a sustainable management of limited global fisheries resources.
“The EU can have a positive influence on sustainable fishing worldwide if we really stick to our principles with regards to sustainable management and apply them in a strict way. For me this is the main yardstick when deciding whether to subsidize EU fishermen’s access to third country waters. If we adhere to our principles, the presence of Union flagged ships can be beneficial. But, we need to be aware that this does not come automatically.â€
