NFFO takes cod plan review to Newlyn – Fishupdate.com
NFFO takes cod plan review to Newlyn Published: 12 November, 2012
The NFFO Executive Committee met recently in Newlyn to review the Federations policies in the run up to the December Council and beyond. With agreement that the Commissions proposals for an interim cod regime, pending replacement of the ‘discredited ‘ EU Cod Management Plan, represented real progress in the direction advocated by the NFFO, RACs and others.
But there are weaknesses says the NFFO. The Commissions proposals still however contain a number of flaws which need to be ironed out, chiefly the proposed prohibition of quota transfers to and from Catch Quota vessels fitted with CCTV cameras; this mistaken policy, based on a misunderstanding of quota management arrangements in the member states, has the capacity to derail the catch quota trials if not removed
At the same meeting an update on the Federations work on CFP reform was received, including: Lobbying of the EU Parliament ,a recent meeting with the relevant Defra officials, a presentation at a recent Westminster conference and working within the regional advisory councils.
Among the other issues discussed were domestic quota reform, the industrys reputation following dishonest media reports, Defras response to the Federations shellfish paper and safety and training. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Federations South East Committee in Rye had been postponed because of a bereavement and would be rearranged for the New Year.