Brussels: Enforcing EU fisheries rules will strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and food security, says Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, on the occasion of the European Commission's evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for seafood products, Oceana asserts that the CFP remains fit for purpose and capable of delivering on key EU priorities, provided it is fully and consistently implemented.
Vera Coelho, Executive Director and Vice President at Oceana in Europe, emphasized that the current priority is to enforce the policy rather than rewrite it. She highlighted the need for the EU to finally end overfishing and ensure resilient seas and fishing communities.
Coelho further noted that fully implementing the CFP is essential for achieving the EU's broader priorities. She stated that a strong, properly enforced CFP is not a constraint but a prerequisite for a stable seafood supply, a competitive industry, and Europe's long-term food sovereignty.
The upcoming steps involve ensuring that all Member States fully implement their obligations under the CFP, with a particular focus on ending overfishing and addressing remaining imbalances in fishing capacity.