Common Fisheries Policy Reform consultations

Defra: ‘The UK Government is today launching a package of public consultations concerning the implementation of reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).  As part of the reform of the CFP, a new basic regulation and Common Market Organisation of Fishery and Aquaculture Products (CMO) entered into force on 1 January 2014. The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), which will support our fishing industry under these reforms, is due to be adopted shortly. The package of consultations being launched today covers aspects from all three of these areas.

Discard ban  One of the most important achievements of the CFP reform negotiations is the phased introduction of a landing obligation, also known as a discard ban. The landing obligation will put an end to the wasteful practice of discarding, preventing fish being thrown back into the sea after being caught unless under very specific exemptions. This will start in 2015 for pelagic fisheries, and be rolled out to other fisheries from 2016.  The first consultation we are launching today sets out the Government’s proposed approach to implementing the pelagic landing obligation in England. Some of the main issues that we are gathering views on include how we will ensure our stocks are managed sustainably, how we monitor compliance and how we manage available quota to match it to the catch that would previously have been discarded.

The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)   At the same time we are seeking evidence on how we can best use the EMFF to support implementation of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy. This consultation also seeks your views on the UK’s draft Multi Annual National Plan for the Development of Sustainable Aquaculture.

Fish labelling and marketing standards   Our third consultation is on the Common Organisation of the Markets in Fisheries and Aquaculture Products, and seeks your views on how we implement changes to the fish labelling legislation in England and introduce new legislation on marketing standards in England and Wales for fishery and aquaculture products.

The CFP reform has attracted interest and passion from many different groups. We are very interested to hear your views on this package of consultations and look forward to reading your responses.  They will be a crucial tool in helping us to successfully implement these reforms, so we can safeguard our marine environment and all those who rely on it.