Simpler rules and more freedom for fishermen was an important message from Kenn Skau Fischer to EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis.
Danish Organisation Sets Out Detailed CFP Overhaul Proposal
The Danish Fishers Producer Organisation has set out a detailed proposal for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, centred on reducing regulatory micromanagement and replacing it with a results-based system tied to full documentation.
The proposals were presented to Costas Kadis in Brussels by Kenn Skau Fischer, representing the organisation.
Kenn Skau Fischer said, “Today I had the pleasure of meeting EU Commissioner Kadis in Bruxelles and on behalf of Danish Fishers PO giving him the recipe for a EU Fisheries Policy (CFP) that makes sense.”
He added, “We need an result-based approach to the fisheries policy. Fishers that operates under full documentation and is held accountable for his or her activity shall have freedom to to choose fishing gear and not bothered by micro-management.”
Results-Based System Linked to Full Documentation
The organisation’s proposal centres on shifting away from detailed technical rules towards a system where fisherman are judged on outcomes rather than prescribed methods.
It states that vessels operating under full documentation, including electronic monitoring and CCTV, should be allowed greater operational freedom, particularly in relation to gear choice and fishing practices.
Under this model, vessels would be required to document catches, fishing locations and gear use, with electronic systems providing independent verification of compliance.
The organisation states that this would allow operators to adapt to fishing conditions and quotas while remaining accountable for environmental and regulatory requirements.
Micromanagement and “One Size Fits All” Rules Criticised
The organisation states that the current CFP relies on highly detailed regulations covering gear design, technical measures and control systems, which it describes as burdensome for the fishing sector.
It highlights what it describes as a “one size fits all” approach, where uniform rules are applied regardless of regional differences in fisheries.
It also states that Member States are limited in their ability to introduce more flexible or adaptive measures, restricting innovation and preventing case-by-case approaches.
Quota System and Decision-Making Timelines Challenged
The proposal calls for a shift in how quotas are managed, suggesting that catch limits should be adjusted more dynamically in response to scientific data.
It states that quota-setting should reflect ongoing data collection rather than operate with multi-year delays, as is currently the case.
The organisation also proposes that vessels operating under full documentation could face reduced administrative requirements, with control measures based on electronic data rather than physical inspection.
Incentive-Based Approach and Industry Participation
The organisation outlines an incentive-based system designed to encourage participation in fully documented fisheries.
It states that the benefits of transitioning to such a system must be sufficient to make participation a positive option for individual fisherman.
These benefits would include greater flexibility in fishing operations and reduced administrative burden for compliant vessels.
Position on Gear Use and Environmental Measures
The proposal states that fisherman should be allowed to choose fishing gear freely within minimum technical requirements, provided environmental objectives and quota limits are respected.
It adds that trawl gear will remain necessary to utilise available fishing opportunities, while work to reduce environmental impact, including gear innovation, should continue.
The organisation states that protected areas and environmental regulations must still be respected under any revised system.
Discards and Data Sharing Included in Proposals
The document also addresses discard rules, stating that it should be possible to discard catches not permitted for human consumption, such as undersized fish, provided they are fully documented and counted against quota allocations.
It further states that vessels should share catch data with scientific institutions and exchange information between vessels on unwanted species and undersized fish to reduce bycatch.
Kenn Skau Fischer said the proposed approach would “simplify the fisheries policy and reduce the administrative burden for fishers. A win-win for our waters, the fishers and the society.”
