In this report the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee concludes that radical reform is needed to ensure that the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) delivers for the fish, the fishermen, and the coastal communities that depend on them. The widespread desire to deliver a more local approach to fisheries management is hampered by the EU's exclusive competence over the conservation of marine resources under the CFP as only the EU can make rules regarding fisheries conservation. The Commission has baulked at repatriation of fishing policy through a full-scale Treaty change but the Committee highlights an alternative: this can be done by amending the CFP regulation itself. This approach would give Member States genuine freedom and responsibility and would set clear boundaries to the Commission' role. The Commission also wants to implement a discard ban on many commercial species starting in 2014, but the MPs question whether the proposal will prove effective. Instead, the Committee argues for a more gradual approach built on a sound science base and the local experience of fishermen to find workable solutions to the discard problem that has blighted European fisheries. The Committee also urges Defra not to abandon its commitment to domestic fisheries reform that delivers a fairer deal to small-scale fishermen. The Committee proposes a novel mechanism to reallocate unused fishing rights from 'slipper skippers' to active fishermen (a topic that was covered in an earlier report on the CFP and domestic fisheries management, sixth report of session 2010-12, HC 858, ISBN 9780215559944).

This book takes a critical view of the policy and law governing EU marine fisheries and the effect of the 2013 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Reforms to the CFP are impeded by Treaty-guaranteed concessions, exemptions from general environmental legislation and the Court of Justice’s creation of principles unique to the sector. The author discusses how damaging effects of fishing could be ameliorated if the Court were to align fisheries principles with general principles of law, and considers the institutional and regulatory frameworks needed to encourage prudent resource use.

Additional written evidence is contained in Volume 3, available on the Committee website at www.parliament.uk/efracom

The Committee's report finds that the promising reform proposals for the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), recommended by the European Commission in May 2002, were seriously compromised by decisions taken by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December 2002, as a result of special pleading by EU Member States. Despite some positive aspects, the Committee has no confidence that the CFP regulation agreed upon will deliver sustainable fisheries management nor will it prevent the irreversible decline in key fish stocks, particularly cod and hake, unless it is substantially improved. The setting of total allowable catches (TAC) levels and EU funding for construction of new fishing vessels are also criticised. The report argues that transitional financial aid, linked to stock recovery plans, is needed to promote diversification of coastal economies and the development of alternative employment opportunities.

Written by Ernesto Penas of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, this thorough and comprehensive book provides a full understanding of the European Commission’s common fisheries policy (CFP), which is of major importance to all fisheries scientists and managers. Commencing with introductory chapters which look at the history behind the CFP, its birth and enlargement, this excellent book continues with chapters covering the major aspects of the CFP including policies on conservation, fishing fleets, structure, control, and environment, the external sector, scientific advice, stakeholders and decision making. Further chapters consider the Mediterranean Sea, aquaculture and the reforms of the CFP. A concluding chapter looks at what’s next for the CFP. The Common Fisheries Policy is an essential reference for all fisheries managers and fisheries scientists throughout the world, and provides a huge wealth of important information for fish biologists, conservation biologists, marine biologists, environmental scientists and ecologists in academia, governmental and non-governmental organizations and commercial operations. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where fisheries and/or biological sciences are studied and taught should have copies on their shelves.