BETA


2016/2079(INI) Status of fish stocks and socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead PECH AFFRONTE Marco (icon: EFDD EFDD) LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica (icon: EPP EPP), BRIANO Renata (icon: S&D S&D), TOMAŠIĆ Ruža (icon: ECR ECR), MARINHO E PINTO António (icon: ALDE ALDE), SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia (icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL), GODDYN Sylvie (icon: ENF ENF)
Committee Opinion EMPL PIMENTA LOPES João (icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL) Arne GERICKE (icon: ECR ECR), Marian HARKIN (icon: ALDE ALDE), Jean LAMBERT (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE), Sofia RIBEIRO (icon: PPE PPE), Flavio ZANONATO (icon: S&D S&D)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2017/11/20
   Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2017/06/13
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2017/06/13
   EP - Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 558 votes to 43, with 35 abstentions, a resolution on the status of fish stocks and the socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean.

In its communication entitled ‘ Consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2017 under the Common Fisheries Policy ’, the Commission maintained that overfishing remains prevalent in the Mediterranean and that urgent measures are needed to reverse this situation.

In addition to overfishing, the Mediterranean sea is facing numerous challenges, the majority of which can be attributed to a densely populated coastline but also to maritime transport and the overexploitation of resources, including oil and gas harvesting.

Addressing overfishing and protecting the Mediterranean: Members stressed the importance of comprehensively enforcing, in the short term, the targets and measures laid down in the common fisheries policy (CFP) , and of a timely drafting and effective implementation of the multiannual management plans in line with an approach centred on regionalisation and a multiplicity of species. They also stressed the need for a response that is collective and based on multi-tier international, European, national and regional cooperation, while underlining the strategic role of the Mediterranean Advisory Council in this context.

The resolution called for the following actions and measures:

ensure that more incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to small-scale (artisanal and traditional) fleets if they fish selectively and in a manner that has a limited impact; encourage recreational fishing that generates a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism; define coastal, small-scale coastal and traditional fishing in line with socio-economic characteristics; apply a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources which takes into account socio-economic considerations in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, while protecting and preserving the marine environment; improve efforts in the field of marine knowledge , with particular regard to commercially exploited species, and that this knowledge should be used as the basis for planning their sustainable exploitation; combat illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean Basin and secure the support of non-EU Mediterranean countries; step up monitoring activity both on land, throughout the entire distribution chain (markets and catering trade), and at sea, especially in areas in which fishing is temporarily suspended or prohibited; provide incentives for fleets to use more selective fishing equipment and techniques that have a reduced impact on the marine environment; tackle the depletion of stocks in the Mediterranean through fisheries management and conservation measures for commercial and recreational fisheries, including, mainly, through area and time-based restrictions and daily or weekly fishing limits, as well as quotas , where appropriate; ensure that marine-protected areas cover at least 10 % of the Mediterranean Sea by 2020; protect cooperation in the management of sensitive areas that represent important spawning grounds for the most economically important species; take measures to address the problem of marine litter and plastics in the sea; provide for appropriate planning in space (‘no fishing’ areas on a rotational basis, total or partial closures depending on fishing systems) and time ( biological recovery periods ), in addition to the promotion of technical measures aimed at maximum gear selectivity; adopt, in the Mediterranean, a minimum permitted size for all commercial and recreational targeted species, depending on sexual maturity and based on the best scientific knowledge available; greater involvement of the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) and regional fisheries organisations in the decision-making process in line with the regionalisation mentioned in the common fisheries policy.

Cooperation with third countries : Parliament called for a series of measures in respect of third countries, such as: (i) promoting measures actions through the GFCM to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; (ii) promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs); (iii) assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing.

Working conditions : stressing that 250 000 people are directly employed on boats, Members stated that it is crucial to improve the working conditions of fishermen, starting with decent remuneration and fair competition, while special attention should be paid to the industry’s high accident rate and high risk of occupational diseases. They suggested that Member States establish income support instruments as well as a stable income compensation fund to cover non-fishing periods.

Raising awareness among consumers : Parliament recommended the mandatory provision of proper consumer information detailing the exact origin of products and the method and date of catch and raising awareness among consumers and educate them to consume fish responsibly.

Documents
2017/06/13
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2017/06/12
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2017/05/12
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
Details

The Committee on Fisheries adopted an own-initiative report by Marco AFFRONTE (Greens/EFA, IT) on the status of fish stocks and the socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean.

In its communication entitled ‘ Consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2017 under the Common Fisheries Policy ’, the Commission maintained that overfishing remains prevalent in the Mediterranean and that urgent measures are needed to reverse this situation. In addition to overfishing, the Mediterranean sea is facing numerous challenges, the majority of which can be attributed to a densely populated coastline but also to maritime transport and the overexploitation of resources, including oil and gas harvesting.

Members stressed the importance of comprehensively enforcing, in the short term, the targets and measures laid down in the common fisheries policy (CFP) , and of a timely drafting and effective implementation of the multiannual management plans in line with an approach centred on regionalisation and a multiplicity of species. They also stressed the need for a response that is collective and based on multi-tier international, European, national and regional cooperation, while underlining the strategic role of the Mediterranean Advisory Council in this context.

The report called for the following actions and measures:

ensure that more incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to small-scale (artisanal and traditional) fleets if they fish selectively and in a manner that has a limited impact; encourage recreational fishing that generates a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism; define coastal, small-scale coastal and traditional fishing in line with socio-economic characteristics; apply a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources which takes into account socio-economic considerations in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, while protecting and preserving the marine environment; improve efforts in the field of marine knowledge , with particular regard to commercially exploited species, and that this knowledge should be used as the basis for planning their sustainable exploitation; combat illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean Basin and secure the support of non-EU Mediterranean countries; step up monitoring activity both on land, throughout the entire distribution chain (markets and catering trade), and at sea, especially in areas in which fishing is temporarily suspended or prohibited; provide incentives for fleets to use more selective fishing equipment and techniques that have a reduced impact on the marine environment; tackle the depletion of stocks in the Mediterranean through fisheries management and conservation measures for commercial and recreational fisheries, including, mainly, through area and time-based restrictions and daily or weekly fishing limits, as well as quotas , where appropriate; ensure that marine-protected areas cover at least 10 % of the Mediterranean Sea by 2020; protect cooperation in the management of sensitive areas that represent important spawning grounds for the most economically important species; take measures to address the problem of marine litter and plastics in the sea; provide for appropriate planning in space (‘no fishing’ areas on a rotational basis, total or partial closures depending on fishing systems) and time ( biological recovery periods ), in addition to the promotion of technical measures aimed at maximum gear selectivity; adopt, in the Mediterranean, a minimum permitted size for all commercial and recreational targeted species, depending on sexual maturity and based on the best scientific knowledge available; encourage coordinated action with third countries from the Mediterranean; promote and implement an agreement for time-area closures imposing temporary sequential limits on fishing in the breeding areas of certain species throughout the year; greater involvement of the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) and regional fisheries organisations in the decision-making process in line with the regionalisation mentioned in the common fisheries policy.

The report called for a series of measures in respect of third countries , such as: (i) promoting measures actions through the GFCM to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; (ii) promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs); (iii) assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing.

Members also stated that it is crucial to improve the working conditions of fishermen, starting with decent remuneration and fair competition, while special attention should be paid to the industry’s high accident rate and high risk of occupational diseases. They suggested that Member States establish income support instruments as well as a stable income compensation fund to cover non-fishing periods.

Lastly, the report recommended the mandatory provision of proper consumer information detailing the exact origin of products and the method and date of catch and raising awareness among consumers and educate them to consume fish responsibly.

Documents
2017/04/25
   EP - Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
2017/02/06
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2016/12/09
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2016/12/09
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2016/06/16
   EP - Committee Opinion
2016/05/12
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
2016/04/19
   EP - Responsible Committee

Documents

Activities

Votes

A8-0179/2017 - Marco Affronte - Résolution #

2017/06/13 Outcome: +: 558, -: 43, 0: 35
DE IT ES PL FR RO PT HU SE NL GB BG CZ AT DK SK BE IE HR EL LT LV EE SI CY FI LU MT ??
Total
87
65
47
49
53
27
19
18
19
22
59
13
18
16
11
12
17
9
9
19
8
6
6
6
5
6
4
4
1
icon: PPE PPE
182

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

2

Latvia PPE

2

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

1

Finland PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Malta PPE

2
icon: S&D S&D
166

Netherlands S&D

3

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

For (1)

1

Lithuania S&D

1

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

For (1)

1

Finland S&D

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

2
icon: ECR ECR
66

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

1

Czechia ECR

2

Slovakia ECR

Abstain (1)

2

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Cyprus ECR

1

Finland ECR

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
43

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

4

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
42

Italy GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

3

France GUE/NGL

2

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
53

Romania ALDE

3

Portugal ALDE

1

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Bulgaria ALDE

3

Czechia ALDE

4

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

2

Latvia ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Finland ALDE

For (1)

Against (1)

2

ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
16

Germany NI

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Poland NI

1

France NI

Abstain (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

Against (2)

3
icon: EFDD EFDD
38

Germany EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1

France EFDD

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Czechia EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1
icon: ENF ENF
29

Poland ENF

2

Netherlands ENF

3

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Belgium ENF

Abstain (1)

1
AmendmentsDossier
264 2016/2079(INI)
2016/10/24 EMPL 78 amendments...
source: 592.234
2016/12/07 EMPL 19 amendments...
source: 593.986
2017/02/06 PECH 167 amendments...
source: 597.468

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

committees/0
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2016-04-19T00:00:00
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activities
  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: EMPL date: 2016-06-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica group: S&D name: BRIANO Renata group: ECR name: TOMAŠIĆ Ruža group: ALDE name: MARINHO E PINTO António group: GUE/NGL name: SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia group: ENF name: GODDYN Sylvie responsible: True committee: PECH date: 2016-04-19T00:00:00 committee_full: Fisheries rapporteur: group: EFD name: AFFRONTE Marco
  • date: 2017-04-25T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: EMPL date: 2016-06-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica group: S&D name: BRIANO Renata group: ECR name: TOMAŠIĆ Ruža group: ALDE name: MARINHO E PINTO António group: GUE/NGL name: SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia group: ENF name: GODDYN Sylvie responsible: True committee: PECH date: 2016-04-19T00:00:00 committee_full: Fisheries rapporteur: group: EFD name: AFFRONTE Marco
  • date: 2017-05-12T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0179&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A8-0179/2017 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2017-06-12T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20170612&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2017-06-13T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0255 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0255/2017 body: EP type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
commission
  • body: EC dg: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner: VELLA Karmenu
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Fisheries
committee
PECH
date
2016-04-19T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: AFFRONTE Marco group: Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy abbr: EFDD
shadows
committees/0
body
EP
responsible
False
committee
EMPL
date
2016-06-16T00:00:00
committee_full
Employment and Social Affairs
rapporteur
group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João
committees/1
type
Committee Opinion
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Employment and Social Affairs
committee
EMPL
date
2016-06-16T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: PIMENTA LOPES João group: European United Left - Nordic Green Left abbr: GUE/NGL
committees/1
body
EP
shadows
responsible
True
committee
PECH
date
2016-04-19T00:00:00
committee_full
Fisheries
rapporteur
group: EFD name: AFFRONTE Marco
docs
  • date: 2016-12-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE585.527&secondRef=02 title: PE585.527 committee: EMPL type: Committee opinion body: EP
  • date: 2016-12-09T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE595.446 title: PE595.446 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2017-02-06T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE597.468 title: PE597.468 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2017-11-20T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=29546&j=0&l=en title: SP(2017)574 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
events
  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-04-25T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-05-12T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0179&language=EN title: A8-0179/2017 summary: The Committee on Fisheries adopted an own-initiative report by Marco AFFRONTE (Greens/EFA, IT) on the status of fish stocks and the socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean. In its communication entitled ‘ Consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2017 under the Common Fisheries Policy ’, the Commission maintained that overfishing remains prevalent in the Mediterranean and that urgent measures are needed to reverse this situation. In addition to overfishing, the Mediterranean sea is facing numerous challenges, the majority of which can be attributed to a densely populated coastline but also to maritime transport and the overexploitation of resources, including oil and gas harvesting. Members stressed the importance of comprehensively enforcing, in the short term, the targets and measures laid down in the common fisheries policy (CFP) , and of a timely drafting and effective implementation of the multiannual management plans in line with an approach centred on regionalisation and a multiplicity of species. They also stressed the need for a response that is collective and based on multi-tier international, European, national and regional cooperation, while underlining the strategic role of the Mediterranean Advisory Council in this context. The report called for the following actions and measures: ensure that more incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to small-scale (artisanal and traditional) fleets if they fish selectively and in a manner that has a limited impact; encourage recreational fishing that generates a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism; define coastal, small-scale coastal and traditional fishing in line with socio-economic characteristics; apply a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources which takes into account socio-economic considerations in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, while protecting and preserving the marine environment; improve efforts in the field of marine knowledge , with particular regard to commercially exploited species, and that this knowledge should be used as the basis for planning their sustainable exploitation; combat illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean Basin and secure the support of non-EU Mediterranean countries; step up monitoring activity both on land, throughout the entire distribution chain (markets and catering trade), and at sea, especially in areas in which fishing is temporarily suspended or prohibited; provide incentives for fleets to use more selective fishing equipment and techniques that have a reduced impact on the marine environment; tackle the depletion of stocks in the Mediterranean through fisheries management and conservation measures for commercial and recreational fisheries, including, mainly, through area and time-based restrictions and daily or weekly fishing limits, as well as quotas , where appropriate; ensure that marine-protected areas cover at least 10 % of the Mediterranean Sea by 2020; protect cooperation in the management of sensitive areas that represent important spawning grounds for the most economically important species; take measures to address the problem of marine litter and plastics in the sea; provide for appropriate planning in space (‘no fishing’ areas on a rotational basis, total or partial closures depending on fishing systems) and time ( biological recovery periods ), in addition to the promotion of technical measures aimed at maximum gear selectivity; adopt, in the Mediterranean, a minimum permitted size for all commercial and recreational targeted species, depending on sexual maturity and based on the best scientific knowledge available; encourage coordinated action with third countries from the Mediterranean; promote and implement an agreement for time-area closures imposing temporary sequential limits on fishing in the breeding areas of certain species throughout the year; greater involvement of the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) and regional fisheries organisations in the decision-making process in line with the regionalisation mentioned in the common fisheries policy. The report called for a series of measures in respect of third countries , such as: (i) promoting measures actions through the GFCM to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; (ii) promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs); (iii) assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing. Members also stated that it is crucial to improve the working conditions of fishermen, starting with decent remuneration and fair competition, while special attention should be paid to the industry’s high accident rate and high risk of occupational diseases. They suggested that Member States establish income support instruments as well as a stable income compensation fund to cover non-fishing periods. Lastly, the report recommended the mandatory provision of proper consumer information detailing the exact origin of products and the method and date of catch and raising awareness among consumers and educate them to consume fish responsibly.
  • date: 2017-06-12T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20170612&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2017-06-13T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=29546&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2017-06-13T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0255 title: T8-0255/2017 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 558 votes to 43, with 35 abstentions, a resolution on the status of fish stocks and the socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean. In its communication entitled ‘ Consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2017 under the Common Fisheries Policy ’, the Commission maintained that overfishing remains prevalent in the Mediterranean and that urgent measures are needed to reverse this situation. In addition to overfishing, the Mediterranean sea is facing numerous challenges, the majority of which can be attributed to a densely populated coastline but also to maritime transport and the overexploitation of resources, including oil and gas harvesting. Addressing overfishing and protecting the Mediterranean: Members stressed the importance of comprehensively enforcing, in the short term, the targets and measures laid down in the common fisheries policy (CFP) , and of a timely drafting and effective implementation of the multiannual management plans in line with an approach centred on regionalisation and a multiplicity of species. They also stressed the need for a response that is collective and based on multi-tier international, European, national and regional cooperation, while underlining the strategic role of the Mediterranean Advisory Council in this context. The resolution called for the following actions and measures: ensure that more incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to small-scale (artisanal and traditional) fleets if they fish selectively and in a manner that has a limited impact; encourage recreational fishing that generates a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism; define coastal, small-scale coastal and traditional fishing in line with socio-economic characteristics; apply a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources which takes into account socio-economic considerations in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, while protecting and preserving the marine environment; improve efforts in the field of marine knowledge , with particular regard to commercially exploited species, and that this knowledge should be used as the basis for planning their sustainable exploitation; combat illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean Basin and secure the support of non-EU Mediterranean countries; step up monitoring activity both on land, throughout the entire distribution chain (markets and catering trade), and at sea, especially in areas in which fishing is temporarily suspended or prohibited; provide incentives for fleets to use more selective fishing equipment and techniques that have a reduced impact on the marine environment; tackle the depletion of stocks in the Mediterranean through fisheries management and conservation measures for commercial and recreational fisheries, including, mainly, through area and time-based restrictions and daily or weekly fishing limits, as well as quotas , where appropriate; ensure that marine-protected areas cover at least 10 % of the Mediterranean Sea by 2020; protect cooperation in the management of sensitive areas that represent important spawning grounds for the most economically important species; take measures to address the problem of marine litter and plastics in the sea; provide for appropriate planning in space (‘no fishing’ areas on a rotational basis, total or partial closures depending on fishing systems) and time ( biological recovery periods ), in addition to the promotion of technical measures aimed at maximum gear selectivity; adopt, in the Mediterranean, a minimum permitted size for all commercial and recreational targeted species, depending on sexual maturity and based on the best scientific knowledge available; greater involvement of the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) and regional fisheries organisations in the decision-making process in line with the regionalisation mentioned in the common fisheries policy. Cooperation with third countries : Parliament called for a series of measures in respect of third countries, such as: (i) promoting measures actions through the GFCM to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; (ii) promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs); (iii) assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing. Working conditions : stressing that 250 000 people are directly employed on boats, Members stated that it is crucial to improve the working conditions of fishermen, starting with decent remuneration and fair competition, while special attention should be paid to the industry’s high accident rate and high risk of occupational diseases. They suggested that Member States establish income support instruments as well as a stable income compensation fund to cover non-fishing periods. Raising awareness among consumers : Parliament recommended the mandatory provision of proper consumer information detailing the exact origin of products and the method and date of catch and raising awareness among consumers and educate them to consume fish responsibly.
  • date: 2017-06-13T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/maritime-affairs-and-fisheries_en title: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner: VELLA Karmenu
procedure/Modified legal basis
Old
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150
New
Rules of Procedure EP 159
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
PECH/8/06483
New
  • PECH/8/06483
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 54
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
procedure/subject
Old
  • 3.15.01 Fish stocks, conservation of fishery resources
  • 3.15.08 Fishing enterprises, fishermen, working conditions on board
New
3.15.01
Fish stocks, conservation of fishery resources
3.15.08
Fishing enterprises, fishermen, working conditions on board
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  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20170612&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament
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  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0255 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0255/2017
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  • The Committee on Fisheries adopted an own-initiative report by Marco AFFRONTE (Greens/EFA, IT) on the status of fish stocks and the socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean.

    In its communication entitled ‘Consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2017 under the Common Fisheries Policy’, the Commission maintained that overfishing remains prevalent in the Mediterranean and that urgent measures are needed to reverse this situation. In addition to overfishing, the Mediterranean sea is facing numerous challenges, the majority of which can be attributed to a densely populated coastline but also to maritime transport and the overexploitation of resources, including oil and gas harvesting.

    Members stressed the importance of comprehensively enforcing, in the short term, the targets and measures laid down in the common fisheries policy (CFP), and of a timely drafting and effective implementation of the multiannual management plans in line with an approach centred on regionalisation and a multiplicity of species. They also stressed the need for a response that is collective and based on multi-tier international, European, national and regional cooperation, while underlining the strategic role of the Mediterranean Advisory Council in this context.

    The report called for the following actions and measures:

    • ensure that more incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to small-scale (artisanal and traditional) fleets if they fish selectively and in a manner that has a limited impact;
    • encourage recreational fishing that generates a high economic revenue for the local communities, through activities like tourism;
    • define coastal, small-scale coastal and traditional fishing in line with socio-economic characteristics;
    • apply a precautionary approach to the conservation, management and exploitation of living marine resources which takes into account socio-economic considerations in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, while protecting and preserving the marine environment;
    • improve efforts in the field of marine knowledge, with particular regard to commercially exploited species, and that this knowledge should be used as the basis for planning their sustainable exploitation;
    • combat illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean Basin and secure the support of non-EU Mediterranean countries;
    • step up monitoring activity both on land, throughout the entire distribution chain (markets and catering trade), and at sea, especially in areas in which fishing is temporarily suspended or prohibited;
    • provide incentives for fleets to use more selective fishing equipment and techniques that have a reduced impact on the marine environment;
    • tackle the depletion of stocks in the Mediterranean through fisheries management and conservation measures for commercial and recreational fisheries, including, mainly, through area and time-based restrictions and daily or weekly fishing limits, as well as quotas, where appropriate;
    • ensure that marine-protected areas cover at least 10 % of the Mediterranean Sea by 2020;
    • protect cooperation in the management of sensitive areas that represent important spawning grounds for the most economically important species;
    • take measures to address the problem of marine litter and plastics in the sea;
    • provide for appropriate planning in space (‘no fishing’ areas on a rotational basis, total or partial closures depending on fishing systems) and time (biological recovery periods), in addition to the promotion of technical measures aimed at maximum gear selectivity;
    • adopt, in the Mediterranean, a minimum permitted size for all commercial and recreational targeted species, depending on sexual maturity and based on the best scientific knowledge available;
    • encourage coordinated action with third countries from the Mediterranean;
    • promote and implement an agreement for time-area closures imposing temporary sequential limits on fishing in the breeding areas of certain species throughout the year;
    • greater involvement of the Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) and regional fisheries organisations in the decision-making process in line with the regionalisation mentioned in the common fisheries policy.

    The report called for a series of measures in respect of third countries, such as: (i) promoting measures actions through the GFCM to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; (ii) promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs); (iii) assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing.

    Members also stated that it is crucial to improve the working conditions of fishermen, starting with decent remuneration and fair competition, while special attention should be paid to the industry’s high accident rate and high risk of occupational diseases. They suggested that Member States establish income support instruments as well as a stable income compensation fund to cover non-fishing periods.

    Lastly, the report recommended the mandatory provision of proper consumer information detailing the exact origin of products and the method and date of catch and raising awareness among consumers and educate them to consume fish responsibly.

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  • body: EP responsible: False committee: EMPL date: 2016-06-16T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João
  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica group: S&D name: BRIANO Renata group: ECR name: TOMAŠIĆ Ruža group: ALDE name: MARINHO E PINTO António group: GUE/NGL name: SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia group: ENF name: GODDYN Sylvie responsible: True committee: PECH date: 2016-04-19T00:00:00 committee_full: Fisheries rapporteur: group: EFD name: AFFRONTE Marco
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2017-05-31T00:00:00
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2017-04-25T00:00:00
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2017-05-17T00:00:00
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GODDYN Sylvie
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http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/
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MARINHO E PINTO António
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MARINHO E PINTO António
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SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia
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SENRA RODRÍGUEZ Maria Lidia
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  • group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João
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  • group: GUE/NGL name: PIMENTA LOPES João
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2016-04-19T00:00:00
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  • group: EFD name: AFFRONTE Marco
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  • group: EPP name: LOPE FONTAGNÉ Verónica
  • group: S&D name: BRIANO Renata
  • group: ECR name: TOMAŠIĆ Ruža
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  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs committee: EMPL body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Fisheries committee: PECH
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  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs committee: EMPL
  • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Fisheries committee: PECH
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/ title: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner: VELLA Karmenu
procedure
dossier_of_the_committee
PECH/8/06483
geographical_area
Mediterranean Sea area
reference
2016/2079(INI)
title
Status of fish stocks and socio-economic situation of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean
legal_basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
stage_reached
Awaiting committee decision
subtype
Initiative
type
INI - Own-initiative procedure
subject