Jun
6
Galicia, in favour of fishing effort system
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A deep sea trawler at Vigo port. (Photo: Terje Engoe)
Galicia, in favour of fishing effort system
SPAIN
Thursday, June 07, 2012, 01:40 (GMT + 9)
The Galician Executive claims that the total allowable catch (TAC) and quotas should be replaced by a new control system based on fishing effort.
The Xunta argues that while quotas limit production with a maximum of tonnes, the fishing effort takes into account the number of vessels and their capacity.
Currently, the fleet from Spain has 9.3 per cent capacity in Europe so the capture allocation would be performed according to this weight.
At present, the Ministry for Rural and Marine Affairs recognizes that it will be “difficult” to introduce the demands of Galicia in the Brussels’ proposal.
Besides, it considers that it will be “crucial” to manage diplomacy at European level, the newspaper La Opinion reported.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs agrees with the European Commission (EC) that there is “oversizing” of the fleet, but it is considered that a “general” statement can not be made as Galicia has cut its capacity by 40 per cent in recent years.
Therefore, a “detailed analysis of the fleet” is claimed so as to define which countries should further reduce their capacity.
For example, it is stated that the Grand Sol fleet has been reduced by 60 per cent since Spain joined the European Union (EU); the cod fleet has undergone a 90 per cent reduction and freezer trawlers has been reduced by 69 per cent.
The Galician Government also intends to “bet” for the renewal of vessels and for safety.
“Unilaterally receiving the access payment to international fisheries can mean an unfair advantage,” the Xunta states.
The Galician government also expects shellfish production and the local artisanal fleet are given a “differential” treatment, taking into account that they annually generate around EUR 320 million and EUR 180 million, respectively.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Marine Affairs understands that aquaculture “should be another item” in the proposed reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Meanwhile, the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (Cepesca) advocates a CFP that regionalises fisheries management and “seeks solutions that are tailored” for each fishery.
This was indicated by Javier Garat, Secretary General of Cepesca, who participated in a meeting in Huelva with the owners of the 38 boats of the fishing fleet from Punta del Moral to discuss the problems and challenges faced while fishing.
The fact that there are management measures that “are appropriate for a given site does not necessarily mean they are effective for the others,” Garat highlighted.
He explained that the maximum sustainable yield will harm small boats and the discard ban will have “serious consequences” for mixed fisheries in the Gulf of Cadiz, EFE agency reports.
In turn, the Cooperative of Shipowners of the Port of Vigo (ARVI) warned they could lose 5,000 jobs if the ongoing reform of the CFP is implemented.
In this regard, Javier Touza, ARVI president, said that he considered that “it is not only significant that jobs on board will be lost but the work related to the sea-industry sector will also be affected.”
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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