| Statement on the European Commission’s proposal for science-based, sustainable fishing opportunities for 2011 |
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Sandy Luk, head of the marine programme at ClientEarth, said: “The world’s fish stocks are in a desperate state and European waters are among the worst affected. “Many people will have heard conflicting stories about the viability of continued North Sea cod fishing. It is sad, but the science behind the Commission’s proposal shows that the situation really is as bad as some of the worst predictions. Despite six years of the cod management plan, the Commission’s science shows devastated cod stocks have still not recovered. “The Commission’s proposal pays particular attention to the cod stocks of the Irish Sea, the West of Scotland and Kattegat, which it describes as collapsed. We recognise that this news will be hard for many fishers and their families. However, the proposed 50 per cent reductions in the TACs [Total Allowable Catch] in these areas is the strongest proposal yet for preserving the long term viability of our fisheries. “It’s a hugely positive step for the future of the fisheries that the Commission is adopting a science-based approach to dealing with this crisis and is pursuing the 2015 targets set by the World Summit on Sustainable Development. “We are also encouraged that the evidence suggests that some hake and sole stocks are improving.”
ENDS
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About ClientEarth ClientEarth is a non-profit environmental law organisation based in London, Brussels, Paris and Warsaw. We are lawyers working at the interface of law, science and policy. Using the power of the law, we develop legal strategies and tools to address major environmental issues. As legal experts working in the public interest, we act to strengthen the work of our partners – both governments and NGOs. www.clientearth.org |
