The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said attended the meeting of the Council of European Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries between 23 and 24 October in Luxembourg, where several important themes related to these sectors were discussed.
During the meeting, Malta claimed that the allocations of tuna quotas between countries should be maintained as agreed during last year’s ICCAT meeting, and opposed any discussion on changes that could potentially ‘ affects the quotas of Maltese fishermen.
“One should not forget the efforts made by our fishermen, since 2007, with the aim of reaching this historic recovery,” reminded the Parliamentary Secretary. Dr. Bugeja Said stressed the importance of ensuring a level playing field, and harmonizing control and enforcement among all countries. She appealed and proposed amendments within the Control Committee within ICCAT, to ensure compliance by both EU Member States and third countries in the Mediterranean.
In light of new regulations involving fishing in the Baltic Sea, the Parliamentary Secretary once again mentioned the need for an equal playing field for all fishermen. She continued that it is not fair that such proposals lead to the limitation of fishing on a small scale, while allowing the pelagic fleets on a large scale, to continue with their activities. “I continue to emphasize the importance that, in order to achieve the sustainability of fish stocks and protect the livelihood of small-scale fishermen, we must ensure equal regional conditions. We want to see that the decisions that are taken in seas shared with third states, do not put the European fleet at a disadvantage,” reiterated Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
The Parliamentary Secretary emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between environmental conservation and the socio-economic interests of the Member States and the fishing communities. This is with the aim of finding a solution that safeguards both the marine ecosystem, as well as the livelihood of all those who depend on it.
During the meeting the need to have a European financial support mechanism for fishermen and farmers in cases of crisis due to natural disasters was also discussed. The Parliamentary Secretary emphasized the need for the fishing and agriculture sectors to be given financial aid in a direct and efficient manner, without extra administrative and procedural obstacles, so that they can also meet future challenges, including those due to of climate change.
“The crisis that European farmers and fishermen are currently facing is truly unprecedented. The current circumstances are such that they require the most effective use of available resources. This is with the aim of mitigating and addressing the negative effects immediately,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
Photos: MAFA_PS
