Today’s vote by MEPs is a “significant step” towards reforming the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) according to Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson.
Speaking after the vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jim said: “Brussels micromanagement has not worked for fishermen, processors, coastal communities or indeed for fish stocks and the environment. Today I and other MEPs have endorsed a broad range of proposals which would overhaul the current centralised management of our fisheries in favour of a system which devolves fisheries management to Member States and those with local knowledge.
Proposals to tackle the issue of discards have also been supported by the European Parliament as have a range of other measures aimed at ensuring sustainability which would represent a sea change in how our fisheries are managed.
Meaningful reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is long overdue and this process is by no means over with the long term success of the industry depending on the outcome. The final shape of the package will be decided by negotiations between the European Parliament, Council and Commission but today’s vote is a significant step towards this being achieved - especially as MEPs now have a real say in the reform process because of co-decision.”