Victory as European Parliament votes for sustainable fisheries!

Posted on February, 06 2013

Strasbourg, France, 6 February 2013 - After a Committee vote in December that was praised by WWF as a milestone vote for sustainable fisheries, today all members of the European Parliament voted 502 to 137 in favour again of the draft report by Ulrike Rodust (S&D, DE) on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Basic Regulation, the cornerstone of the CFP reform package.
Strasbourg, France, 6 February 2013 - After a Committee vote in December that was praised by WWF as a milestone vote for sustainable fisheries, today all members of the European Parliament voted 502 to 137 in favour again of the draft report by Ulrike Rodust (S&D, DE) on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Basic Regulation, the cornerstone of the CFP reform package.
 
WWF are particularly happy that all of WWF’s key political asks were carried.

Quote from Roberto Ferrigno, Common Fisheries Policy Project Coordinator, WWF European Policy Office:
“Today something truly exceptional has happened – the European Parliament voted for a strong fisheries reform to let our oceans recover and ensure the sustainability of fisheries in the EU. This is a triumph especially in these times of crisis and despite strong opposition from certain politicians with unsustainable industry interests”.
 
“Everyone wants a strong reform: citizens, industry and fishermen. Members of the European Parliament listened to their constituents and used their newly acquired powers to act and make a difference. Now it’s clear after this vote that it is a political priority to shape up EU fisheries and provide long-term stability to fishing communities, fishermen and businesses and the marine environment they depend on”.
 
“The oceans, fish and those who fish sustainably have won one half of the battle today. Next it is up to fisheries ministers to vote their position on this basic regulation. It will be a tough battle but we hope national governments will listen to the strong message issued by the Parliament, and will sweep away vested interests to ensure a long term sustainable future for our oceans and Europe’s fisheries economy”.
 
 
For further information or interview requests:
Alexandra Bennett, Communications Director
WWF European Policy Office
E-mail: abennett@wwf.eu
Mobile: +32 477 393 400
 
Roberto Ferrigno, Common Fisheries Policy Project Coordinator
WWF European Policy Office
E-mail: rferrigno@wwf.eu
Mobile: +32 497 433 688
Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) feeding in the Mediterranean Sea
© Frédéric BASSEMAYOUSSE / WWF Mediterranean