EFFOP replies to EU consultation on Fisheries External Action

EFFOP – Marine Nutrients Europe submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the EU Strategy for Fisheries External Action on 11 September.

EFFOP emphasized the importance of long-term, science-based fisheries management and called for quota sharing arrangements to be based on independent scientific advice to ensure sustainable stocks and predictable access for the European fleet and processing sector.

EFFOP also stressed the need to maintain access to productive fishing grounds. While recognizing the prerogatives of coastal states under international law, we warned that unilateral closures not supported by scientific evidence can have serious socio-economic consequences. We encouraged the EU to include mechanisms in its external action strategy to promote constructive engagement in cases of access restrictions and welcomed the recent EU-UK agreement to extend reciprocal access for 12 years as a step in the right direction.

Finally, we stressed that fair competition requires equivalent environmental and production standards for imported marine ingredients. Stricter controls are needed to ensure that imports of fish oil and other products meet EU requirements, thereby safeguarding consumer confidence and maintaining a level playing field for European producers.

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