Particularly those including fish stocks shared with the European Union, the European Parliament has approved a new set of rules intended to detect and rectify unsustainable fishing methods by non-EU countries. Four votes against, six abstentions, and 681 in favor approved the rules. Their aim is to help sustainable fisheries management and to guarantee that third nations take adequate measures to stop overfishing.
The revised framework permits the European Commission to determine whether non-EU nations are participating in the management of shared fish resources. Should a nation be discovered to be noncompliant, the EU may take strict steps, including import prohibitions and trade-related actions. These guidelines aim to safeguard European fisheries and encourage environmentally friendly fishing in nearby areas.
Describing the measure as a clear response to the worries of European fishers, Maltese Labour MEP Thomas Bajada was the rapporteur for the European Parliament during discussions. Bajada said that the fishing community has long felt disregarded, and this bill demonstrates a strong EU position in support of marine resources and the means of living of people that depend on them.
The rules currently offer a more specific and enforceable definition of what a non-EU country failing to cooperate would be. Examples include unjustified delays in responding to European Commission demands, refusal to confer with EU agencies, failure to engage in talks, or the setting of unilateral or discriminatory fishing quotas.
Moreover, the law specifies what the best current scientific advice should instruct non-EU nations in handling shared fish stocks. An act of cooperation will now be failing to accept, put in place, or uphold required fisheries management techniques. This covers obligations under regional fisheries management groups or within bilateral and multilateral accords.
This legislative action supports the EU’s dedication to fostering sustainable fishing and fair practices, thereby bolstering marine conservation efforts and ensuring the economic security of its fishing communities.
