The European Union (EU) will study the possibility of transferring the communitarian vessels, which are assigned to be scrapped, to Asian countries affected by the tsunami as an aid for their fishing fleets, of which many targeted tuna.
This was conveyed by EU Fishery Commissioner, Joe Borg, to the Spanish Minister of Agriculture and Fishery, Elena Espinosa, during Mr. Borg’s 4-day visit to Spain. The Council of European Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries have previewed to study this issue during their coming meeting to be held on January 22nd. The announced decision became Mr. Borg’s first official act within his tight agenda during his stay in Spain.
The EU Fishery Commissioner also held a one-hour-meeting with the representatives of the Spanish fishing, industrial, and canning sector, as well as with the syndicates. In his speech, he referred to the need of studying the best way to help artisan fleets and the aquaculture sector in the countries affected by the Tsunami.
The Spanish Minister, Ms. Espinosa, explained that the possibility of transferring these vessels to the Asian countries is one way to contribute to the recovery of those countries’ fishing fleets. She also noted that the European Commission has just recently decided not to increase the export quotas for processed fish products of several Thai companies. The request was denied because the companies are not located in the tsunami-affected areas.
During Mr. Borg's short press conference, he summarized his department’s duties, which include the future of the European fishing funds, the management plans and stock reorganization, the implementation a Mediterranean politic and the development of agreements with third countries, if they practice sustainable fisheries in their waters. Mr. Borg appealed to a close dialogue and a total participation on behalf of the sector in fishery related debates.