Activities of Predrag Fred MATIĆ related to 2023/2027(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the impact of illegal fishing on food security – the role of the European Union
Amendments (26)
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU i, as a major global player in fisheries because of both its, with a fishing fleet (numberingof around 73 000 vessels), and its position as the world’s largest importer of fishery products (almost 70 % of the seafood products consumed in the EU are imported, representing 34 % of total world trade in value), and therefore haswith almost 70 % of its fishing products consumption being imported, has therefore a central role to play in the fight against IUU fishing worldwide;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas it is difficult to estimate the extent of the IUU fishing and its economic value, studies found that the global amount of unreported catch to be around 28 million tonnes in 2016, with an estimated value of US$41 billion. Illegal catch, were estimated in the early 2000s, to be between 10 and 26 million tonnes of fish, with an estimated value of US$10-23 billion. In the EU, IUU-caught products imported annually are estimated to reach around 500 000 tonnes, at a value of €1.1 billion;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing constitute a major threat to marine ecosystems and to fish stocks, creating disruptions and distortions of the fishing products market, menacing livelihood of fishing and coastal communities, both within the European Union and on a global scale;
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU was, committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal target 14.4, which was to end IUU fishing by 2020;and prohibiting the import of fishery products obtained from IUU fishing, as specified in its IUU Fishing Regulation1a, it did not fulfil its commitment to end IUU fishing by 2020 and the importation of products stemming from IUU fishing persists within the EU _________________ 1a Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1).
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF2a) provide important support for monitoring, control and enforcement activities, with a specific objective “fostering efficient fisheries control and enforcement, including fighting against IUU fishing” under Priority 1 - Fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources; _________________ 2a Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 (OJ L 247, 13.7.2021, p. 1–49)
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas products resulting fromthe unsustainable management of fish stocks and the lack of transparency associated with illegal fishing pose a risk tothreaten the food security of European Union citizens, by menacing the access for all to safe, affordable, good quality and traceable food;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. recognizes that IUU fishing disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized communities, both in the EU and in third countries, and therefore calls for measures to mitigate the social and economic impacts of IUU fishing on these communities. These measures should include financial support, vocational training, and social safety nets to help affected individuals and communities transition to sustainable livelihoods;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms the need for the EU and its Member States to continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing, applying this approach equally to all countries, irrespective of size, and to promote economically, environmentally and socially sustainable fisheries with a view tof combating overfishing, the destruction of maritime ecosystems, unfair competition to the fishing sector and ensuring food security;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Emphasizes the need to conduct rigorous scientific research and data collection to better understand the specific impacts of IUU fishing on food security, local economies, and the environment. Calls on the Commission to allocate funding and resources for such research and to regularly update its assessments to inform evidence-based policymaking;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the Commission must provide adequate support to the national authorities responsible for the control of seafoodfishing products imports, noting that this support may include, where available, the production of a list of the management and conservation measures applying in non-EU countries and the sharing of detailed information on shortcomings identified in the context of the implementation of the EU IUU Regulation in relation to non-EU countries;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Urges the Commission to explore options for expanding social safety nets to support affected communities in Member States and third countries. Recognizes that the transition to sustainable fishing practices may lead to economic disruptions and job losses, and therefore calls for measures to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the fishing industry, such as targeted job retraining programs and income support;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Member States to apply dissuasive sanctions against illegal fishingWelcomes the new Fisheries Control Regulation, and urges the Member States to swiftly implement it, and contribute to apply effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; Effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions should contribute to reducing incentive to practice IUU fishing and deterring any future infringements;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Welcomes the full traceability of fresh, frozen and processed fishing products as agreed in new Fisheries Control Regulation, which will contribute to increase of food security in the EU and push for third countries to increase traceability to allow their fishing products to enter the Union market;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Recognizes that effective enforcement of IUU fishing regulations requires collaboration between Member States and a coordinated approach at the EU level. Encourages the Commission together with European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) to increase coordinating efforts to combat illegal fishing, share best practices, and harmonize enforcement activities across Member States;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Recognizes the importance of fostering cooperation with civil society organizations and community stakeholders in the fight against IUU fishing. Calls on the Commission to engage in partnerships with these organizations to promote sustainable fishing practices and to ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard in the decision-making process;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15 d. Urges the Commission to take a more proactive approach in engaging with third countries that are significant fishing products exporters to EU to ensure that they implement measures to prevent IUU fishing, including labour and environmental regulations. Encourages the Commission to consider sanctions or other trade measures if third countries fail to comply with international norms;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15 e. Emphasizes the need for the EU to prioritize international cooperation in combating IUU fishing. Calls on the Commission to engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage third countries, particularly major fishing products producers, to adhere to international agreements and regulations aimed at preventing IUU fishing. This should be done through dialogue, trade negotiations, and international forums;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)
Paragraph 15 f (new)
15 f. Calls on the Member States to use EMFAF to ensure that it provides the necessary targeted support to small-scale and artisanal fishers, who often face unique challenges in complying with IUU regulations. These fishers play a critical role in local food security and should receive the needed assistance to do the transition to more sustainable fishing practices;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 g (new)
Paragraph 15 g (new)
15 g. Urges Member States to allocate resources for the development and implementation of comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the importance of choosing legal and sustainably sourced fishing products. Such campaigns should not only inform consumers but also encourage responsible consumption and promote the benefits of supporting sustainable fishing practices;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 h (new)
Paragraph 15 h (new)
15 h. Urges Member States to adopt a fair and socially responsible approach to combat IUU fishing. This includes ensuring that labour standards are upheld in the fishing sector, promoting decent working conditions, and providing support to fishers and other workers in the sector in cases of labour rights violations. Dissuasive sanctions should be applied with consideration for labour conditions as well as environmental factors;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 i (new)
Paragraph 15 i (new)
15 i. Calls on the Member States to promote fair trade practices in the fisheries sector. To achieve a genuine level playing field between EU-produced and third-country fishing products, the Member States should consider implementing trade measures that account for the environmental and labour standards of the products being imported;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 j (new)
Paragraph 15 j (new)
15 j. Recognizes that the fight against IUU fishing requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of illegal fishing, such as poverty, lack of economic alternatives, and weak governance in some regions. Encourages the Commission to engage in capacity- building programs and international cooperation to help address these underlying issues and promote sustainable fishing practices;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 k (new)
Paragraph 15 k (new)
15 k. Calls for the establishment of a comprehensive whistle-blowers protection program within the EU to encourage individuals with knowledge of illegal fishing activities to come forward and provide critical information. Such a program should include legal safeguards, anonymity, and incentives for whistle- blowers to report violations without fear of retaliation;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 l (new)
Paragraph 15 l (new)
15 l. Underlines the importance of consumer awareness and education in promoting sustainable fishing products choices. Encourages the Commission to invest in public awareness campaigns to inform EU citizens about the environmental and social impacts of IUU fishing and the benefits of choosing legally and sustainably sourced fishing products;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Urges for consistent and stringent implementation of red and yellow cards, without regard to a country's size or economic and commercial influence. In this regard, as requested in European Parliament Resolution “Implications of Chinese fishing operations for EU fisheries and the way forward” (A9- 0282/2023), calls on the Commission to assess all Chinese initiatives aimed at combating IUU fishing, and in the light of such assessments, to take appropriate actions under the IUU Regulation;