The Councilor of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of the Galician Xunta, Enrique Lopez Veiga, requested that the EU maintain “some kind of support†for joint ventures with third countries, although it may be different to the current to the future. The request was presented to the future European Union (EU) Commissioner of Fisheries, Joe Borg, with an aim towards “ensuring the supply of raw material to Europe.â€
Lopez Veiga and Borg met in talks held on Tuesday in Brussels, along with general director of Fisheries, Jürgen Holmquist was also present, to discuss issues such as the renewal of the inshore fisheries fleet, and the creation and support of joint ventures. The officials also spoke of the immediate start up of the European Agency of Fisheries Control, southern hake and scampi recovery plan, and the crisis set off by the increase in diesel fuel prices.
Lopez Veiga said in a statement to the newspaper Faro de Vigo regarding joint ventures, that the future European commissioner was in favor of his stance, as he believes that these companies contribute to the development of the countries in which they operate.
The Galician official pointed out to Borg that European support was necessary to renew the inshore fleet for safety reasons and because around 26,000 people make their living on inshore fishing.
Lopez Veiga also said it would be very important to set the European Agency of Fisheries Control into operation as soon as possible. This agency, to be based in Vigo, will have a maximum 100-employee staff and will have an initial budget of EUR 1 million for 2005.
Borg also heard the Galician councilor’s requests regarding the southern hake and scampi recovery plan in Iberian waters, submitted by Galicia.
Lopez Veiga said that the Galician fisheries sector was willing to scrap some of its vessels, if necessary. He estimated that around 50 vessels currently operating at the Cantabrian-Northwest fishing ground could be voluntarily scrapped within a 10-year period, in exchange for a subsidy.
There are currently 139 trawlers operating in that area, 120 of which are from Galicia, reported La Voz de Galicia.
It is important to point out that a scientific report by the International Council for the Exploration of The Sea (ICES) warns that the hake situation is critical, especially at the Cantabrian Sea, as the stock of this species is below 10,200 tons, while the minimum recommended level is 35,000 tons.
After Borg had promised that his first visit, upon assuming office, will be to Galicia, Lopez Veiga pointed out that the Junta is preparing a number of measures to palliate the increase in diesel fuel prices.
“It will be a set of different measures for large and small vessels,†said the official, after indicating that the EU will not authorize any direct aid packages to fishermen from its Member States.
Source: FIS