Vote on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): sustainable fisheries for a competitive fishing sector

Members of the fisheries committee has approved Alain Cadec's report on financing the Reform of the Common fisheries policy. This European Maritime and Fisheries fund (EMFF) will be granted with 6.5 billion euros between 2014 and 2020.

"This vote has allowed mitigating some aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy reform. The possibility of investing in more selective gear will soften the consequences of the landing obligation. It's best to sort the fish in the sea than on the deck !" declared MEP Alain Cadec.

From an economic and social point of view, the fisheries committee voted against making the EMFF an instrument to reconvert fishermen outside fishing activities as proposed by the European Commission. On the contrary, the members of the fisheries committee have introduced start up support for young fishermen in order to revitalize the fishing sector.

MEPs also supported my proposals in favour of the renewal of fishing vessels which are less than 12 meters long and more than 35 years old. Support was also given to the replacement of engines. These investments, which are assorted to strict conditions, enable more sustainable fisheries while decreasing the vessels capacity as well as their carbon emissions and fuel consumption. These concrete measures are the only instruments within the whole reform to reduce capacity.

"Storage aid was also maintained, it is an essential instrument for market regulation."

The draft report will be put to vote in plenary in October. Negotiations with the Council will start thereafter.