Source: BusinessGreen

Reforms to the EU’s fisheries policy, including a ban on discards and greater control over the fishing of endangered stocks.

MEPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the reform package with 502 supporting the measures and only 137 voting against.

The reforms still have to approved by the European Council of member states, but green groups today hailed a major victory for the lnog-running campaign to tackle over-fishing and end the practice of dumping unwanted fish to comply with quotas.

Under the new regulations, the practice of discarding would be banned within three years, while member states would move from the current system of negotiating quotas each year to imposing limits based on a “maximum sustainable yield” determined by scientific advice.

Some within the fishing industry have protested against the reforms, arguing they are being brought in too quickly and will damage livelihoods for fishermen.

But environmental groups insisted the changes would benefit the industry in the long term by allowing under pressure fish stocks to recover and making it easier for small-scale low-impact fishing operations to compete with giant trawlers.

“This vote marks a crucial turning point in the battle to save Europe’s seas from overfishing and protect the livelihoods of coastal fishermen,” said Greenpeace oceans campaigner Willie Mackenzie. But he also warned member states, including Britain would now have to take ambitious steps to ensure the reforms are properly enacted.

“Unless we change the way fishing quotas are allocated, the future of the UK’s sector will remain hostage to big fishing interests that seek short-term profits whilst creating long-term damage,” he said. “What we need now is firm and swift action from our fisheries minister to ensure UK policies reward sustainable, selective, and responsible fishermen, who are the lifeblood and the best hope for the future of their coastal communities.”

His comments were echoed by Roberto Ferrigno, Common Fisheries Policy Project Coordinator at WWF, who hailed the vote as a “truly exceptional” step towards a sustainable fisheries policy.

“Everyone wants a strong reform: citizens, industry and fishermen,” he said. “Members of the European Parliament listened to their constituents and used their newly acquired powers to act and make a difference. Now it’s clear after this vote that it is a political priority to shape up EU fisheries and provide long-term stability to fishing communities, fishermen and businesses and the marine environment they depend on”.