European Parliament Backs Strong National Control for Fisheries
>> 18 December 2012
SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has today (Tuesday) welcomed backing from the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee for substantial controls over fisheries to be returned to Europe's fishing nations.
The support came in a major vote on the Common Fisheries Policy reform package. MEPs backed proposals from the SNP to empower fishing nations in key areas of marine management.
The vote came despite last minute lobbying from Spanish and French interests to delay CFP reform. A final vote is expected in the full Parliament in February or March.
Negotiations will then take place between the Parliament, the Commission and the European Council.
Mr Hudghton said:
"The parliament's final vote will take place in the new year and there is still work to do before then. The committee vote was long and complex and much of the detail will need to be further amended.
"Nevertheless, there is much to welcome. In addition to the calls for national powers, the committee completely rejected Commission proposals for fishing rights to become tradable commodities.
"Such a scheme would have seen fishing quotas bought and sold on international markets - and could have seen Scotland's historic rights swept up by the Spanish fleet.
"A number of MEPs sought to delay the vote in an attempt to derail CFP reform. While dangers still lie ahead, the committee decision was an important first step.
"Scotland's MEPs must continue to work in parallel with the Scottish government to ensure that the final reform package guarantees a future for our coastal communities".
