MEPs of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee MEPs want to step up the fight against illegal fishing to ensure food safety
MEPs Unanimously Advocate Stronger Measures Against Illegal Fishing for Food Safety
In a unanimous decision with 24 votes in favour, Members of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee have emphasised the need for a reinforced strategy against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fisheries to ensure food safety.
The report, drafted by Nuno Melo from the European People’s Party (EPP) in Portugal, outlines key measures to combat IUU practices and safeguard public health.
EU-Wide Approach and Import Controls
MEPs assert that an EU-wide approach is crucial in the fight against IUU fisheries. The report recommends identical procedures across all EU member states to eliminate potential loopholes in the application of rules. Importantly, the Committee calls for more stringent import controls, emphasising the necessity of timely measures and sanctions. Harmonising import controls across EU countries is seen as a deterrent against IUU fishing products entering the European market.
Digitalisation through CATCH IT System
Digitalisation plays a pivotal role in combating IUU practices, according to the Committee. They advocate for the digitalisation of IUU catches through the CATCH IT system, which is expected to reduce fraudulent imports. The report suggests full operationalisation of the system within two years after the implementation of the revised control regulation. This digital approach, coupled with full traceability and transparent labeling, aims to enhance food safety.
Support for Small-Scale Fishers
Recognising the challenges faced by small-scale and artisanal fishers in complying with IUU rules, the Committee proposes the use of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) to support these fishers. The fund, with a budget of €580 million allocated for monitoring, control, and enforcement activities, aims to assist fishers in maintaining local food security.
Enhanced Data, Card System, and Tackling Forced Labour
The report urges the Commission to take action against the use of flags of convenience, improve vessel identification systems, and encourage EU countries to establish databases recording beneficial owners of registered vessels. To strengthen IUU databases, the Committee recommends including names, origin, and ownership details of vessels involved in IUU fishing. Improved communication through shared electronic databases is proposed for better and more timely collaboration between EU countries and international entities.
Strict System of Yellow and Red Cards
MEPs advocate for the implementation of a strict system of yellow and red cards without consideration for a country’s size or economic influence. The Commission is called upon to assess all Chinese actions aimed at reducing IUU fishing. In light of the higher risk of forced labour in specific geographic areas, the Committee emphasises a ban on products resulting from such conditions entering the EU market. It further stresses the need to improve control and enforcement measures against forced labor in imported products.
Background and Next Steps
Annually, an estimated 500,000 tonnes of IUU-caught products, valued at €1.1 billion, are imported into the EU. Despite the presence of 73,000 EU-flagged ships and 124,000 direct jobs in coastal states, 70% of consumed seafood comes from abroad, contributing to the significant impact of IUU fishing on food security. The report will undergo discussion and voting in an upcoming plenary session.
In its 2022 report on EU action against IUU fishing, the European Court of Auditors highlighted the improvement brought by IUU regulations but stressed the need to address weaknesses in checks and sanctions by EU countries urgently.
Source: Press Release
