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THE need for “successful” reform of the Common Fisheries Policy will be hammered home at a major event in London tomorrow.
The WWF/Industry Alliance for CFP reform summit is being staged at Fishmongers’ Hall and will emphasise that the chance to reform the contentious EU fisheries policy must not be lost.
WWF-UK say 2011 is both a vital time for the fishing industry in Europe and for the health of our seas. They add:
“The European Common Fisheries Policy, widely criticised for not helping the seas or the fishing industry, is set for reform, and this is a once in a decade opportunity to transform the way we currently manage our fisheries. Successful reform can deliver healthy oceans, abundant fish stocks and a sustainable livelihood for the fishing industry and fishing communities.”
The WWF/Industry Alliance for CFP reform will use tomorrow’s event to gather together the key players in the Common Fisheries Policy Reform process to discuss a “vision” of the future.
Richard Benyon, UK Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries will be joined, say WWF, by an alliance representing the entire fish supply chain.
WWF add that catching sector, retailers, and processors are “determined” to reduce the wasteful practice of discards and agree with them that the following changes are needed to ensure a future for Europe’s fisheries:
Mandatory and meaningful long term management plans that are based on clear minimum standards spelled out in the regulation.
A regionally based decentralised management scheme to put together those plans, so that plans are tailored to the fisheries, and all participants have a stake in preparing and complying with them.
An integrated and coherent set of policies across the supply chain, so that fishermen catch what is needed when it’s needed, avoiding waste and adding value at all stages along the way from net to plate
An assurance that the same standards for conservation and an ecosystem approach will be applied by the EU and its vessels throughout the world’s oceans.
Sally Bailey, Head of Fisheries and Seafood Policy at WWF-UK said:
“We have a once in a decade opportunity to tackle the European fisheries crisis that has resulted in around one million tonnes of fish and shellfish being discarded around the UK each year. In our 50th anniversary year, WWF is proud to be part of an alliance that represents the entire fish supply chain, to call for a new governance system for our seas. We hope we can use our joint influence to secure long term health for the oceans and security for all who are dependant on them for their livelihoods and food.”
Andrew Kuyk of the Food and Drink Federation which represents businesses like Findus, Icelandic and Birds Eye Iglo said:
"On behalf of the UK fish processing sector, we are leading calls for radical reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy so that it delivers sustainable supplies to consumers, at prices they can afford and as part of a healthy and balanced diet. We have been working with a wide range of stakeholders, including our alliance with WWF and representatives of the retail sector, to press governments here and in Europe to respond to this challenge, which should provide better returns for fishermen as well as helping to protect a vital renewable resource."
List of organisations who are attending the event and have signed up to the “vision” are
AIPCE – European Association of Fish Processors
Birds Eye Iglo
British Retail Consortium
Direct Seafood
Findus
Fish4Ever
Food and Drink Federation
New England Seafood
Icelandic Group
Lyons Seafood
M & J Seafood
Marks and Spencer
New England Seafood
Sainsbury's
Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association
Shellfish Association of Great Britain
The WWF/Industry Alliance for CFP reform summit is being staged at Fishmongers’ Hall and will emphasise that the chance to reform the contentious EU fisheries policy must not be lost.
WWF-UK say 2011 is both a vital time for the fishing industry in Europe and for the health of our seas. They add:
“The European Common Fisheries Policy, widely criticised for not helping the seas or the fishing industry, is set for reform, and this is a once in a decade opportunity to transform the way we currently manage our fisheries. Successful reform can deliver healthy oceans, abundant fish stocks and a sustainable livelihood for the fishing industry and fishing communities.”
The WWF/Industry Alliance for CFP reform will use tomorrow’s event to gather together the key players in the Common Fisheries Policy Reform process to discuss a “vision” of the future.
Richard Benyon, UK Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries will be joined, say WWF, by an alliance representing the entire fish supply chain.
WWF add that catching sector, retailers, and processors are “determined” to reduce the wasteful practice of discards and agree with them that the following changes are needed to ensure a future for Europe’s fisheries:
Mandatory and meaningful long term management plans that are based on clear minimum standards spelled out in the regulation.
A regionally based decentralised management scheme to put together those plans, so that plans are tailored to the fisheries, and all participants have a stake in preparing and complying with them.
An integrated and coherent set of policies across the supply chain, so that fishermen catch what is needed when it’s needed, avoiding waste and adding value at all stages along the way from net to plate
An assurance that the same standards for conservation and an ecosystem approach will be applied by the EU and its vessels throughout the world’s oceans.
Sally Bailey, Head of Fisheries and Seafood Policy at WWF-UK said:
“We have a once in a decade opportunity to tackle the European fisheries crisis that has resulted in around one million tonnes of fish and shellfish being discarded around the UK each year. In our 50th anniversary year, WWF is proud to be part of an alliance that represents the entire fish supply chain, to call for a new governance system for our seas. We hope we can use our joint influence to secure long term health for the oceans and security for all who are dependant on them for their livelihoods and food.”
Andrew Kuyk of the Food and Drink Federation which represents businesses like Findus, Icelandic and Birds Eye Iglo said:
"On behalf of the UK fish processing sector, we are leading calls for radical reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy so that it delivers sustainable supplies to consumers, at prices they can afford and as part of a healthy and balanced diet. We have been working with a wide range of stakeholders, including our alliance with WWF and representatives of the retail sector, to press governments here and in Europe to respond to this challenge, which should provide better returns for fishermen as well as helping to protect a vital renewable resource."
List of organisations who are attending the event and have signed up to the “vision” are
AIPCE – European Association of Fish Processors
Birds Eye Iglo
British Retail Consortium
Direct Seafood
Findus
Fish4Ever
Food and Drink Federation
New England Seafood
Icelandic Group
Lyons Seafood
M & J Seafood
Marks and Spencer
New England Seafood
Sainsbury's
Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association
Shellfish Association of Great Britain
