Encouraging talks between Fishing sector and Commissioner Vella

A DELEGATION of Members from Europêche and EAPO had a positive meeting with Karmenu Vella, the new the Maltese Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, to discuss the many pressing issues facing the fishing sector today.
The representatives from across Europe spoke with a united voice outlining common areas of concern for all European nations in both the catch sector and producer organisations and presented the Commissioner with a synopsis of the current fishing panorama.
There was a consensus that there must be engagement with all stakeholders including scientists, the fishing sector and decision makers, highlighting the need for proportionate and suitable legislation to be decided at the right level.
Speaking from the meeting, President of Europêche, Javier Garat, welcomed the positive attitude and constructive nature of the meeting: ‘I am very pleased that Commissioner Vella is actively engaging with the fishing sector and has shown a great willingness to continue this open door policy into the future.
‘We highlighted the good status of many stocks, especially in the Northeast Atlantic, which have seen their biggest recovery in the last 10 years.
‘We have come a long way and we need to continue this positive momentum. We are glad that the Commissioner agrees with Europêche’s commitment to sustainable fishing and a viable sector.’