Jim Nicholson, Ulster Unionist MEP, has welcomed the European Parliament’s approval for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Speaking during Monday`s debate in Strasbourg, Mr Nicholson told MEPs:

“We want healthy fish stocks, a prosperous fishing industry and a healthy marine environment and I believe this reform can achieve that.”

On 10th December, MEPs voted to back reform of the Common Fisheries Policy which centres on the devolution of decision-making to regions in the EU, new rules to restore fish stocks and safeguard jobs, as well as a near total ban on discarding unwanted fish.  It is hoped the reform package will lead to significant improvements in the sustainability of the fishing industry.

Mr Nicholson sounded a note of caution during the debate with some aspects of the reforms:

“Will realistic catch quotas ever be effectively imposed by Member States? We must ensure that subsequent delegated and implementing acts stemming from this legislation accurately reflect the spirit of the original political agreement.”

“How do you make sure that fishermen don’t keep throwing unwanted fish over the side? On the waters this is incredibly difficult to police and we must continue to be mindful of the implications of this.”

Despite these reservations, Mr Nicholson welcomed the vote in favour of CFP reforms:

“Overall, I am pleased with the decision Parliament has made today.

“While the EU has changed significantly in my time as an MEP, one thing has remained consistent, and that is the need to see where compromises can be made so that good deals are done.

“Nonetheless, this reform package will ultimately benefit our local fishermen. We must now focus efforts on delivering a robust discard ban in practice, or the laudable outcome in Parliament today will not fulfil its intention of protecting fish stocks.

“I hope next week’s Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels will not dilute Parliament’s reform measures, in order to ensure a sustainable fishing industry for fishermen in Northern Ireland.”