The European Parliament has voted to tighten oversight of non-sustainable fishing practices by third countries, in order to safeguard shared fish stocks and protect EU fishing interests. The EU shares many of its fish stocks with non-EU countries. These are managed through established diplomatic arrangements. Today’s vote in the European Parliament will introduce tougher rules to curb overfishing in our waters by third party countries.
The vote was passed in the EU parliament by a strong majority, with 681 votes in favour. According to Ní Mhurchú, this is about ensuring fair conditions for the Irish fishing industry.
The moves will strengthen EU enforcement against non-cooperative third countries involved in unsustainable fishing and overfishing in EU waters. It also improves cooperation mechanisms that will aim to resolve issues diplomatically before EU trade restrictions are applied.
It also gives the EU more powers to tackle third party countries whose fishing fleets are overfishing or involved in unsustainable and unfair fishing practices.
According to Ní Mhurchú, our message is clear: “we are determined to safeguard the long-term sustainability of shared fish stocks and protect European and Irish fishing communities from unfair competition”
ENDS
