By Martin Banks - 1st December 2011
But the proposal could have been more ambitious
WWF
The European commission is set to unveil its much-awaited proposals for a new fisheries fund.
Plans for a European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF), which will be outlined on Friday, are thought to concern a subsidy package of some €6.7bn.
The EMFF will be the "instrument" used to fund and ease in the reformed common fisheries policy (CFP).
With a majority of assessed fish stocks overfished, member states are looking to the fund to offset the effects on fisheries-dependent communities, while the commission is looking to use it to support its discard ban proposal.
The EMFF announcement comes ahead of what is expected to be a damning European Court of Auditors report, due for release on 12 December, which is believed to be extremely critical of the current EU CFP.
Speaking ahead of Friday's announcement, the environmental group WWF said the most "immediate" task was to reform subsidies to support the "transition to effective and sustainable" fisheries management.
WFF also said it hopes the new fund will "ensure that the EU meets its commitment of achieving sustainable fisheries and a resource efficient fisheries sector."
The commission says its proposal for a "reformed" EMFF is designed to promote policy change rather than maintain the status quo.
Speaking on Thursday, Louize Hill, head of marine and fisheries at WWF’s European policy office, said the organisation welcomed possible proposal efforts to end subsidies for buying boats and scrapping vessels.
WWF also welcomes any increased funds to promote "income diversification for fishermen and boost the sustainable development of coastal communities".
She went on, "However, WWF approaches with great caution the proposed allocations for modernisation of equipment and aquaculture.
"These allocations should in no way be allowed to support oversized fleets or harm the environment. They should only be provided to those who can demonstrate environmentally sustainable management which minimises impact on marine biodiversity.
"There is a lack of explicit support for kick-starting and encouraging the co-management of fisheries by stakeholder groups including fishermen, scientists and conservationists.
"These groups, or co-management committees, should be made responsible for the design and implementation of multi-annual plans for each commercial fishery.
"Funds for innovation and helping coastal communities to transition to a sustainable way of fishing or alternative income generating activities are commendable.
"But the proposal could have been more ambitious."
Hill added, "We miss here a clear commitment to help kick-start co-management committees made up of representatives from all those who have a stake in the fishing sector.
"This is the best way to achieve sustainable fishing. Overall, safeguards seem to be lacking to ensure subsidies will not continue to fuel increased fishing capacity with negative impacts on the environment."
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