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Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food has launched Ireland's proposals on the
reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Following the launch of the EU Commission's Green Paper on
the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, Minister Killeen
appointed Dr Noel Cawley to co-ordinate consultation with
stakeholders. Dr Cawley organised an extensive consultation
process which involved meetings around the coast, an open
call for submissions and a Seminar organised by the Federation
of Irish Fishermen.
Ireland's submission on the CFP reform sets down a number
of informed recommendations that the Minister believes must
be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy.
The changes cover -
- New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with
a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted
state;
- The retention of a management system based on national
quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection
of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction
of international trading of fish quotas;
- Access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view
to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new
management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities
dependant on inshore coastal fisheries;
- New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers
and increase quay side prices;
- Reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued
structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route
for growth in harmony with Community environmental law -
and
- New regional structure to decision making at EU level
with increasing industry responsibility and the development
of a culture of compliance.
Minister Killeen has formally sent Ireland's submission to
Commissioner Maria Damanaki who has taken over the new Fisheries
and Maritime Affairs Directorate.
The Minister said - "I have requested a meeting with Commissioner
Damanaki to outline the key elements of Ireland's CFP Review
submission and explain the changes that we consider are essential.
"I have also invited Commissioner Damanaki to visit
Ireland to see, at first hand, the workings of the fishing
industry here and perhaps take the opportunity of meeting
industry in their own environment."
The report in its entirety and all formal submissions received
are available on www.fishingnet.ie
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