Press release
Commissioner hearing: Kadis must now deliver on pledge to strengthen ocean law enforcement - ClientEarth
6 November 2024
Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis was questioned by Members of the European Parliament today.
ClientEarth lawyer John Condon reacted to the hearing:
“The confirmation of the Ocean Pact is a welcome and necessary move, although it remains to be seen whether it will contain concrete actions to protect our ocean – such as stopping bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas.
“We fully support Commissioner-designate Kadis’ commitment to strengthening the enforcement and implementation of existing legislation – something the European Union has so far failed to achieve. He must now deliver on his pledge - the Common Fisheries Policy and other marine protection laws have the power to restore the ocean, but without enforcement they will live on paper only, and fail to materialise in the water.
“Efforts to ensure a fairer and transparent allocation of fishing quotas are crucial, particularly for small-scale fishers who are the beating heart of coastal communities but are at a disadvantage in the current system.
“However, given the importance of the ocean for Europe and our prosperity, we are deeply concerned by the decision to separate the ocean from the environment in the new European Commission architecture – with Kadis working under the guidance of the Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms.
“Von der Leyen needs to reconsider this bad decision – it is crucial if she is to deliver on her promise to ensure coherence across all policy areas linked to the ocean.”
ENDS
About ClientEarth
ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account, and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. From our offices in Europe, Asia and the USA we shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.