M2 PRESSWIRE-21 March 2001-UK Government: European Commission publishes Green Paper on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy (C)1994-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The European Commission published its Green Paper on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in Brussels today. This marks an important stage in the 2002 Review of the CFP and creates opportunities for securing changes in the CFP and creating a more sustainable future for fisheries. The Green Paper is a wide-ranging document, setting out the issues that the Commission believes should be considered in the context of the Review, which must be completed by the end of 2002. As well as outlining the positive aspects of the CFP over the last 18 years, it provides an overview of the difficulties facing the fisheries sector. These include big declines in some important commercial stocks, excess capacity, the distorting use of subsidy, and the need to integrate environmental concerns more fully into fisheries management. The Green Paper also highlights the need to involve fishermen and scientists in decisions affecting stock management and to strengthen the regional dimension of the CFP. Speaking in London today, Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley said, "I welcome the publication by the Commission of its Green Paper on the Review of the CFP. It provides a good basis for taking the Review forward and reflects a number of our priorities not least on the regional dimension. "I share the Commission's view that the CFP is failing to meet all the objectives originally set for it. These now need to be reviewed and significant improvements made to the operation of the CFP. "In particular, we must secure a better balance between capacity and stocks, remove the use of subsidies to promote vessel construction, and build on the recent very important initiatives taken to develop the regional involvement of fishermen and scientists in fisheries management decisions including improved technical measures. "The Review is an important opportunity and the Government intends to set a strong agenda for reform. "In developing our objectives for the Review we will be consulting widely with all interested parties in the UK so that we can work together to create a sustainable future for the fisheries sector. "I also look forward to working with the Commission and EU colleagues on how best to safeguard the future of European fisheries. Fish are a valuable international resource. We cannot conserve them nor guarantee a future for the industry on our own." Starting this week, MAFF is holding a written consultation process to help prepare for the major debate on the Green Paper in the Fisheries Council in June. Similar consultation exercises will take place in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Commission has also invited written comments on the Green Paper. For more details see its website: http:/ /www.europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/fisheries/index_en.htm. Notes to...

UK Government: European Commission publishes Green Paper on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy