Fishing industry 'needs radical reform'

Published on Wednesday 22 April 2009 21:58

THE European Commission yesterday warned that only a new fisheries management system would get the struggling industry back on its feet.

The commission is launching a "consultation" on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and says it will be seeking the views of fishermen and their leaders.

The commission said it wanted input about what to do next, not just from the fishing sector, but also from scientists and other "interested parties".

They will have until 31 December this year to submit ideas for an overhaul of CFP to be implemented by the end of 2012.

UK fisheries minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the case for radical CFP reform was undeniable, adding: "I want the UK to play a leading role in making it happen."

Scottish rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This wide-ranging paper identifies some of the problems that we have been highlighting for years, such as the devastating impact of micro-management on our vital fisheries industry."

The Scottish Government launched an inquiry into fisheries management this year.