THE EUROPEAN Council of fisheries ministers has agreed to the principle of a fundamental reform of the controversial Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and on measures to eradicate the wasteful discarding of fish.
The ministers have backed the concept of more radical reform proposed by EU fisheries commissioner Joe Borg, following what has been described as a “thorough and honest exchange of views” on the commission’s Green Paper this week.
Ministers also backed the commission’s plans for a “step by step” approach to tackling discards of fish – a practice inadvertently encouraged by aspects of the controversial CFP.
Ireland needs to prepare a “clear and robust” case to make the most of the EU’s review of its common fisheries policy, Minister of State for Fisheries Tony Killeen has said. Mr Killeen has appointed former Bord Bia chief executive, Dr Noel Cawley, to develop Ireland’s negotiating framework for the review, which will take place over the next two years – with implementation in 2012.
Dr Cawley will also oversee “consultations with stakeholders”, Mr Killeen said, a move welcomed by the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF).
Mr Killeen said he was determined to ensure that the review procedure in Ireland was “broad ranging and comprehensive”, and that it delivered a “clear and robust Irish position to maximise Ireland’s case at the fisheries council negotiations during 2010 and 2011”.
Dr Cawley is currently chair of Teagasc and the Government’s seafood development strategy implementation group. He was architect of the 2007-2013 seafood strategy endorsed by former taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
“It is clear that every aspect of the CFP is up for review and will require detailed attention,” Mr Killeen said.
“Ireland’s national position will be developed by Dr Cawley following a thorough opportunity to hear and understand the views and situation of all stakeholders around the country,” he added.
Mr Killeen said Dr Cawley would work in parallel with an initiative taken by the Federation of Irish Fishermen, entitled “total reform”, in which the industry is organising regional workshops and meetings to prepare a position.
“We are glad to have him aboard and we look forward to working with him through our workshops and meetings,” FIF chairman Lorcán Ó Cinnéide said.