EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HEARINGS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMISSIONER DESIGNATE. Mr Joe BORG. (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs)

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1 EN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HEARINGS ANSWERS TO QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMISSIONER DESIGNATE Part B Specific questions Mr Joe BORG (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs) 1. Continuing the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy 1.1 What are your priorities in the CFP for the next 5 years and how do you propose to achieve these? As Commissioner, my priorities for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) over the next five years would be to both promote and ensure sustainable fisheries and pay particular attention to the concerns and specific conditions of fishermen, their communities, and other stakeholders, through improved dialogue and partnership. Ensuring and promoting sustainable fisheries is a central objective without which no fisheries policy that has the long term interests of the sector at heart can be developed. My aim is to achieve sustainable fishing by putting in place long-term measures for the management of fish stocks, with a reinforced control and enforcement framework in which the new Fisheries Control Agency should play a key role. This will also give the fishing industry more planning security, which is important for any economic operator. Outside the Community, we shall pursue the implementation of the new partnership approach to fisheries agreements as outlined in the Council conclusions of 19 July The objective of sustainable fishing must go hand in hand with a commitment to promoting the well-being of the sector in the light of the social and economic challenges that it faces. I am convinced that our objectives cannot be accomplished unless we involve closely, understand and seek to address the concerns of fishermen and other interested parties. I look forward to the opportunity of an open and constructive dialogue between all interested stakeholders in the newly-created Regional Advisory Councils. My services and I will invest all the required time and energy to contributing to their success. We shall continue, in parallel, 1

2 our structural support to help the fisheries sector adapt to the challenges ahead and to contribute to the development of small coastal communities. I shall pay the utmost attention to making the best possible use of the future European Fisheries Fund to this end. I will work to put in place these efforts progressively within the context of an EU Maritime Policy that will provide a framework for the sustainable development of all sea-based activities and resources. Such a policy should also embrace aspects of policies such as the environment, transport, energy, research, tourism and regional policy. I intend to steer, together with my colleagues in the College, a wide public consultation of all interested parties to identify the key issues regarding the sustainable development of sea activities and to generate a wide consensus on the principles that should underpin this development. This should lay the foundation for a Maritime Policy which will be further developed throughout the coming years How do you see the future of the TAC and quota system? The TAC (Total Allowable Catches) and quota system, based on the principle of relative stability, is the principal management instrument of the Common Fisheries Policy. It provides a means of allocating shares of the Community s fisheries resources to Member States on a stable and predictable basis and can facilitate control of the overall level of catches through decentralised monitoring by each Member State. The system, however, has certain shortcomings. Short-term TAC decisions for individual fish stocks poorly reflect the reality of mixed fisheries; the tendency of the Council to set some TACs at too high levels and ineffective control of compliance in some Member States also significantly reduces the efficiency of this management instrument for a number of species. For these reasons, the TAC and quota system is now being strengthened by long-term recovery and management plans, including in some cases direct fishing effort control. In the future, the TAC and quota system will be applied within the constraints of long-term management plans focused on fisheries (therefore including multi-species considerations), and not on individual fish stocks. This should lead to greater predictability of stock and catches to the benefit of the fisherman and the consumer. The TAC and quota system will remain the main management tool for the foreseeable future. The Commission, however, wishes to explore with Member States, the Parliament and stakeholders the possibilities for alternative or complementary management systems, such as greater use of direct fishing effort management, or the introduction of transferable fishing rights. It is too early to say whether any change to the present system will be possible. 2. The CFP and its effects on fishermen and consumers 2.1. How do you propose to reconcile the socio-economic interests of fishermen and the fisheries sector with the interests of the consumers? I believe that the fundamental interests of fishermen and consumers are convergent. Consumers want to eat more fish, because it is recognised to be a healthy and high quality food, while fishermen would like to be able to supply that demand. 2

3 We should not forget however that the market for fish has become a global market and that competition from imports of third countries is also affecting the EU market. A good state of conservation of fish stocks is the only way that a long-term, abundant and predictable supply of fish can be sold to consumers at reasonable prices. Smaller stocks mean a greater expenditure of effort per unit catch for fishermen, and higher prices for consumers How do you think the long-term interest of the fisheries sector should be developed? The long-term interest of the fisheries sector requires that the fish stocks on which it depends are in good health and stay that way. I am confident that the EU fishing industry is ready to cooperate with fisheries managers to find the best way of reducing fishing pressure, supporting fishing communities having to cope with reduced fishing opportunities, increasing the size and availability of fish stocks, and thereby increasing also the economic sustainability of fishing operations. On our side, we shall do our utmost to involve the stakeholders in a more meaningful way, and to share with them the responsibility of ensuring sustainable fishing. If we manage our fisheries properly, in particular by better matching fishing activity to the available fisheries resources, this can be a win-win situation for both fish stocks and fishermen What future do you see for the processing sector? The processing sector faces major challenges for the future since Community firms have to deal with increased competition from non-eu imports as a consequence of the liberalisation of international trade. It also operates within a stringent legislative framework, particularly where environmental and working conditions are concerned. The sector does have some significant competitive advantages which should be further exploited, such as the capacity for innovation in both products and processes, as well as an enhanced ability for responding to consumers demands for higher levels of product safety and quality. To give an example, in the past the processed fish on offer was limited to fresh or frozen fillets and preserved fish in traditional sauces; in recent years the processing industry has continually brought onto the market innovative products such as ready-made meals including fish. In the framework of the future EU Maritime Policy, I intend, together with my colleagues responsible for Science and Research and Enterprise and Industry, to look at ways to support the sector's efforts towards higher competitiveness. In my opinion, the smaller and more traditional components of the sector, often located in peripheral areas and dependent on local landings, have the potential to remain competitive if they focus their efforts on modernisation and development of high quality products for niche markets. These enterprises are also more likely to contribute to preserving or increasing employment in the fisheries sector. For the above reasons, the future European Fisheries Fund will offer assistance within the coastal development strategies or for micro and small enterprises, in particular where their investments will help to improve the use of little-used species and fish by-products, or will apply new technologies. 3

4 2.4. What will you do to preserve fish species threatened by intensive fishing which does not respect natural cycles and the environment? In the recent reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Commission placed a special emphasis on addressing this issue. Recovery plans are the main instrument to address the situation of stocks severely depleted by over-fishing. The recovery plans for cod and northern hake have been adopted by the Council, two more recovery plans (one for southern hake and Norway lobster, and one for sole in the Bay of Biscay and the Western Channel), have been proposed by the Commission, and others will be proposed shortly. Recovery plans are integrated instruments that not only include rules for setting annual TACs, but also direct fishing effort management and reinforced control measures. Such an integrated approach is necessary to reduce excessive fishing pressure. This will inevitably mean a reduction of fishing activity in the short-term to safeguard fisheries for the longer-term. In light of this I find very pertinent the obligation that has been proposed as part of the future European Fisheries Fund that in order to alleviate some of the difficulties encountered in such situations, Member States will have to include appropriate socio-economic measures in their implementation of recovery plans. Inside the convergence areas 85% of the financing for socio-economic measures can be funded by the new fund, so Member States only have to add 15% from the national budget. Outside the convergence areas Member States may either use EU funding (up to 65 %) or finance the measures exclusively from national funds. In addition, the Commission and the Council have committed themselves to developing environmentally-friendly fishing methods that will make fishing less damaging to the marine environment, whether in terms of non-target species or sensitive habitats. The measures necessary to ensure conservation can of course create hardship for some fishermen due to their short-term economic consequences. We must, in partnership with these communities and the Member States, do everything in our power to alleviate that hardship in full knowledge that the consequences will certainly be much worse if we fail to act. History provides sobering examples of the appalling economic and social consequences for fishing communities of fish stock collapses in other parts of the world, such as the collapse of the cod fishery in the Grand Banks. 3. Surveillance, control and enforcement 3.1. How would you aim to further strengthen control and enforcement in order to achieve an equal playing field for all actors throughout the Union? Making control and enforcement of CFP rules more effective and uniform will be one of my top priorities, as correct implementation of these measures is the key to their success. In this respect, of course, it is the Member States who have the primary responsibility for control, monitoring and inspection. I intend to encourage and support Member States fisheries control authorities in their efforts to co-ordinate control and enforcement measures and make them more uniform, and shall strongly support the development of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) to this end. 4

5 I will also ensure that each Member State establishes a single authority to coordinate, collect and verify information on fishing activities as well as to report to and co-operate with the Commission. In order to strengthen Member States fisheries monitoring capabilities I intend to bring forward proposals on Vessel Detection Systems (VDS) and electronic logbooks. This Vessel Detection System will make use of new technology that that does not depend on black boxes being installed on the vessels and will therefore increase control efficiency How do you propose to develop the newly created Fisheries Control Agency? I believe that the creation of the Agency will make a significant contribution to more uniform and effective enforcement of the rules and hasten the establishment of a level playing field in control. The Commission proposal is now before the European Parliament and the Council and I would like to invite you to give the proposal your strongest support. On our side, we shall be listening with particular attention to your views and suggestions. I hope that the necessary decisions will be taken so that the Agency may begin its work early in 2006, and I will work closely with Council and Parliament to achieve a swift and effective launching of its operations. The Agency is intended to organise the joint deployment of the means of control and inspection in the Member States according to an EU strategy. Joint deployment plans would be agreed by the Agency and the Member States concerned on the basis of identified criteria, benchmarks, priorities and common inspection procedures. It would be helped in its tasks by an EU fisheries monitoring centre using satellite tracking technology to provide information on the location and movements of EU fishing vessels. It is proposed that the Agency provide support to the Member States in fulfilling their obligations both in EU waters and under bilateral fisheries agreements. The Agency would also operate on the high seas under international control and inspection schemes agreed within Regional Fisheries Organisations such as the North-West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO). The Agency may also offer a range of services, such as chartering and manning inspection vessels or contracting observers on board fishing vessels, to Member States for which those using the services would pay. 4. Inshore fishing 4.1. What importance do you attach to the negative incidental socioeconomic impacts on inshore fishermen of EU legislation which is aimed primarily at deep sea fishing? How do you propose to alleviate these problems? I attach a great deal of importance to the impact of fisheries management measures on fishermen. As you are aware the Common Fisheries Policy covers the whole Community fleet, irrespective of the area where vessels operate, be it in coastal areas, off-shore, or outside 5

6 Community waters. Conservation measures are taken at Community level to protect certain species, and therefore apply to all vessels or fisheries targeting these species. Small-scale fishermen need to be included within the scope of EU fisheries management, as their activity can in some fisheries represent a significant proportion of the total catch and it often takes place in fishing grounds which are important for the reproduction of fish stocks. EU legislation, however, recognises the special status of small-scale fishermen in many ways, and excludes smaller vessels from some obligations (such as fishing effort controls, for instance), while smaller vessels also benefit from access restrictions within the 12-mile limit. The impact of fisheries management measures on fishermen are taken into account in the drawing up of any measure, and as you are aware assistance is available in the framework of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) for dealing with short term losses of fishing possibilities or for fishermen who want to redirect their professional activities, to name but two. With regard to the future European Fisheries Fund (EFF), an automatic linkage between effort adjustment and socio-economic measures has been proposed by the Commission. According to this proposal, it would be mandatory for Member States to include socio economic measures in their national plans to accompany adjustment of fishing effort. A higher percentage of EU support has also been foreseen for small-scale fisheries. Beyond this, however, I will pay particular attention to the specificities and needs of smallscale fishing What will you do to protect fishing from small boats, which provides consumers with fresh, high quality products? As indicated in the answer to the previous question, while small-scale fishing vessels cannot be excluded from conservation measures as such, I will further explore ways of taking into account the specificities and needs of small-scale fishing. For their part, Member States could, for example, give particular economic protection to small-scale fishing through the allocation of a higher share of national quotas. The small-scale coastal fishing fleet is currently covered within the FIFG (Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance) programmes by some specific provisions with support available for community or collective projects dealing with the improvement of hygiene, safety and working conditions on board, the introduction of more selective fishing techniques or improved organisation of the production chain with the aim of increasing the added value of products. It is proposed to further extend this specific treatment in the European Fisheries Fund by extending the range of eligible measures and granting higher Community rates of intervention for projects directed towards this important segment of the Community fleet. We also have a whole priority axis (n 4) dedicated to sustainable development of coastal areas. The support for diversification of economic activities and the improved quality of coastal environment will help maintain the economic and social prosperity of coastal fishing communities and sustain their activities. Moreover, ensuring the quality of products and meeting consumers choices is a main concern of the Common Fisheries Policy. Community rules provide for a number of measures to meet this objective, complemented by financial incentives (through the FIFG and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund) to various operators in order to improve hygiene 6

7 and promote product quality. This approach is maintained for all products irrespective of the type of vessels or fisheries concerned. 5. Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) and management of stocks 5.1. Regional Advisory Councils are one of the highlights of the reform of the CFP, and will be heavily involved in the management of stocks. Bearing in mind the disagreements which often exist between scientists and the sector, what role do you see for RACs on this important subject? I am committed to strengthening the dialogue between scientists and fishermen. The need to improve this dialogue was one of the main factors behind the initial proposal to create RACs. Since CFP management measures are based on scientific advice, it is crucial that fishermen trust the data and the analysis that backs it. According to the Council Decision establishing the RACs, scientists are to be invited to participate as technical experts in the work of the RACs. RACs will therefore provide a permanent framework where the sector and scientists will be able to exchange ideas and suggestions concerning improvement of the quality of scientific advice. This dialogue will allow both sides to clarify their needs (such as better data for scientists and more transparent scientific advice for the fishing industry). A more open dialogue between scientists and stakeholders in the RACs should have a major impact on the CFP and contribute to its success. We shall follow carefully the development of RACs' activities to support this process What role will be played by the Advisory Committee on Fisheries? The Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (ACFA) will continue to play a major role in the consultation process at the European level by providing advice to the Commission on any CFP-related issue. RACs, on the other hand, will focus on fisheries management within the area that they cover. The RACs and ACFA will therefore operate at different but complementary levels: the former concentrating on conservation and fisheries management issues at regional level and the latter, composed of representatives of European stakeholders organisations, providing advice on the CFP and on other issues related to fisheries and aquaculture with an EU perspective. An ACFA representative may participate as an active observer in all RAC meetings. Moreover, RACs will send their annual reports to ACFA at the same time as they transmit them to the Commission and the Member States concerned Are you familiar with the EP report on RACs and are you prepared to implement the recommendations it contains? A number of recommendations from the European Parliament, which supported the creation of RACs, were reflected in the final Council Decision establishing the RACs, including two key elements: 7

8 the addition of a 7 th RAC to those originally proposed, to cover distant waters; a substantial increase in financial aid to help RACs in their start-up phase which, while not going as far as the EP would have liked, still doubled the amount initially proposed by the Commission and will last for a longer period. The European Parliament s report also called for the RACs to be given a significant management role. The Commission could not take this on board, as fisheries governance has to remain compatible with the legal and institutional framework of the Treaty. The main task of RACs will be to make recommendations to the Commission and the Member States concerned on matters of fisheries management with respect to the sea areas or fishing zones that they cover. I will make sure that the Commission responds carefully to recommendations made by the RACs. I believe that if RACs prove to be effective, they will certainly have a major impact on the CFP process. A review of their functioning will take place after 3 years. 6. External aspects The EU is a major importer of fish products, and also has a long-distance fishing fleet which employs thousands of people and operates worldwide What future do you see for international fishing agreements which are now based on a partnership approach? My early experience since becoming Commissioner last May has allowed me to study the EU s Development Policy from close quarters, and at my previous hearing in April I expressed my support for partnership-type Fisheries Agreements before the European Parliament. As Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner I would strengthen coherence between Fisheries and other EU Policies, notably Development Policy, and work closely with all the parties concerned to ensure the success of the partnership approach. There is no doubt that the era of the pay, fish and go fisheries agreements is over. Instead, these bilateral agreements must now be based on a partnership approach. The 2004 conclusions of the Council on Fisheries Partnership Agreements provide the basis for the management of our fisheries relations, particularly with developing countries, and this approach has been fully endorsed by the Parliament. I am committed to ensuring its full application. As you know, the Commission has already taken steps to implement this approach, in particular by commissioning ex-ante evaluation as well as impact assessments of each fishing agreement. It has also established an inter-service group with the aim to better co-ordinate the negotiation and implementation of fisheries agreements with our development programmes in the countries concerned. This approach will guarantee sustainable fishing activities because it meets our dual objectives of maintaining traditional fishing activities and ensuring employment in the 8

9 European Union, while contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction in the partner countries How would you improve the role of the European Parliament in negotiating fishing agreements? According to the Framework Agreement between the Commission and the European Parliament, which I fully endorse, the Commission facilitates the inclusion of Members of the European Parliament as observers in Community delegations negotiating multilateral agreements, on the understanding that the Members do not take part directly in the negotiation sessions themselves. I very much welcome the fact that thanks to the excellent cooperation between our institutions, in the course of the mandate of the current Commission, MEPs have participated as observers in Community delegations in the fisheries sector, and I certainly intend to encourage and try to strengthen further this close and fruitful cooperation with Parliament. I undertake to fully respect the current provisions of the Framework Agreement, according to which EP observers are kept regularly informed on the progress of negotiations during the meetings, and to improve cooperation with the EP observers wherever this is possible within the current institutional context. I would certainly support any position of the new Commission that would facilitate the flow of information between the EP observers and the official EU delegation How would you improve the involvement of the EU in the International Regional Fisheries Organizations? Through our involvement in Regional Fisheries Organizations I intend to pursue vigorously the sustainable management of fisheries resources wherever we have fishing interests. The EU is already very active on the international stage in the establishment of management and conservation rules for fisheries and in the fight against illegal fishing activities on the high seas. It also plays a major role in the twelve Regional Fisheries Organisations of which it is a member. The EU is also actively involved in the scientific work of these organisations and notably through the financing of research activities. We are therefore in a position to promote a common global approach to most key issues in fisheries regulation. In accordance with the New York Agreement on Highly Migratory Stocks, the EU is participating in the creation of new Regional Fisheries Organisations to reinforce multilateral cooperation for the management and conservation of fish stocks. I will address this matter with a view to ensuring maximum EU involvement in Regional Fisheries Organisations and effective protection and promotion of the EU s interests. 9

10 6.4. What is the role of the Fisheries sector in negotiating fishing agreements? It is clear that fishermen and other stakeholders must be more involved in the CFP process. Indeed, this is one of the pillars of the CFP reform. It is therefore important that the relevant stakeholders are consulted prior to and during the negotiation of Fisheries Partnership Agreements. The new approach on partnership agreements requires closer dialogue with interested parties in the negotiations of such agreements. The Commission will continue to assume its responsibilities for such negotiations under the mandate of the Council and subject to the opinion of the Parliament, in full cooperation and consultation with stakeholders. I will certainly support enhanced dialogue with interested parties during the negotiation of these agreements. We already take account of the opinion or advice of interested parties through existing channels such as the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture and the ad-hoc meetings convened by the Commission with the relevant parties from the fisheries concerned, for example: tropical tuna, small pelagic and demersal fisheries. Moreover, the creation of a Regional Advisory Council on distant waters will provide an opportunity for more in-depth and regular consultation on these matters Who should have responsibility for financing fisheries agreements? The Council agreed with the Commission communication that under the partnership approach, the financial contribution within the Community budget, under the CFP, will have to support the establishment of responsible and sustainable fishing in the waters of the country concerned, in the interests of the two Parties. The Community budget should also cover the expenditure for the follow-up and evaluation of the agreement concerned. For their part, shipowners should increasingly meet the cost of access to fisheries resources. According to the Council conclusions on the Commission communication, the level of fees payable by Community shipowners for their fishing activities should be fair, balanced and nondiscriminatory. We need therefore to work actively with the third countries to find a balance between these elements in a way that is fair to all concerned and which takes due account of the interests of all the parties concerned. 10

11 7. The role of aquaculture in the CFP Aquaculture has seen a rapid expansion in the world and in the European Union. It is an important response to the growing demand for fish and is increasingly contributing to maintain and develop employment in inland and coastal areas. How would you implement a strategy for the sustainable development of European aquaculture in order to create long term secure employment and promote an environmentally sound industry? It is my view that the success of aquaculture will depend on the ability of the industry to be economically competitive and self-sufficient. This implies that aquaculture has to be a market-led activity. The development of production should only concern products with good market prospects. But aquaculture in the Union has also to cope with some challenges, mostly in the context of environmental impact, health protection requirements, and market instability. Helping the industry to meet these challenges was the main objective of the Strategy adopted by the Commission in Implementation of the Strategy began in 2003 and with the support of Parliament was transposed in 2004 by a modification of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Regulation. Among the measures I intend to promote in the future are: - the approval and the implementation of the new European Fisheries Fund, which focuses financial aid to aquaculture on micro and small enterprises and lowimpact farming technologies ; - the updating of animal health legislation and the development of specific provisions on organic aquaculture; - rules to reduce the negative environmental impacts of aquaculture, and guidelines on specific Environmental Impact Assessments; - the examination of the possibility for specific criteria on farmed fish welfare. I also feel that research in aquaculture should be strengthened. Support for EU-wide aquaculture research is addressed by the EU research funding schemes, and should be extended in the future 7 th Framework Programme, while the future European Fisheries Fund will maintain a significant level of assistance to pilot and demonstration projects. 8. Safety at sea for fishing vessels What initiatives could the Commission undertake during the next Parliamentary legislature to strengthen the safety of those engaged in fishing? I attach great importance to safety on board fishing vessels. Working with my colleagues in the Commission, I will promote cooperation between the Commission and the Council, the Member States and International Organisations such as the International Labour Organisation to improve the current situation. At the same time, Member States have to play an important role, since they are primarily responsible for enforcing Community legislation and 11

12 international conventions and delivering permits and safety certificates, thus ensuring that fishing vessels comply with safety standards. Community legislation gives specific attention to safety aspects with two Directives applying to the maritime sector and concerning safety and working conditions. The basic regulation of the CFP provides for strengthened safety provisions. It gives shipowners the possibility to increase the tonnage of a vessel in order to improve safety provided this does not lead to an increase in fishing capacity. This exception to the strict entry/exit rules for the fleet is important to me. 9. European Fisheries Fund The European Commission has adopted a proposal on a new Fund, a European Fisheries Fund, to succeed the FIFG (the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance) and that from this Fund should entail considerable changes compared with the old FIFG. How do you think these changes should evolve? The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) proposed by the Commission will facilitate the implementation of the reformed CFP, while supporting fishing communities and helping them to diversify their economic base. I expect first of all the European Fisheries Fund to be turned into a real tool to assist in achieving the objectives of the CFP, in particular ensuring sustainable fishing (through its provisions on, inter alia, multi-annual management and emergency measures) and promoting the development of coastal fishing communities. The Fund will offer a higher compensation to reduce fishing effort within the context of recovery plans. This means that in convergence areas and outermost regions the Community contribution may be as high as 85% and outside convergence areas, 65%. The promotion of the development of coastal fishing communities, introduced for the first time in the EFF proposal, is designed to help to create employment in areas most affected by declining catches and where job alternatives remain limited. The new Fund also gives the CFP a more social face since for the first time socio-economic measures will be an integral part of Member States national programmes to implement recovery plans or emergency measures. Furthermore, in future, the crews on board vessels fishing under a fisheries partnership agreement can receive compensation if they lose their job because the agreement is not renewed. Funding will also be channelled into the training of young fishermen in environmentally-friendly fishing practises, thus helping further to build a future for the fisheries sector which is sustainable and profitable. The Fund will also enhance financial incentives for greening measures. In aquaculture this would be through the funding of aqua-environmental measures, such as organic fish farming and measures for the protection and enhancement of natural resources. As far as sea fishing is concerned the Commission plans to introduce incentives to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment. All vessels will benefit from subsidies for voluntary measures that better achieve selectivity of fishing gears and methods. As a part of the new greening 12

13 measures for coastal development, the protection of marine coastal environments as well as help to restore coastal villages and support for green tourism, should be encouraged. Finally, a great deal of simplification will be achieved by putting all EU aid to the sector under a single Fund, leaving the practical details of implementation to the Member States, channelling aid to the sector through only one programme per Member State and applying the principle of proportionality for evaluation, control and reporting purposes. 10. Co-financing How would you encourage Member States to demonstrate greater responsibility by co-financing measures relating to fisheries which are proposed by the European Parliament? While it is clear that, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, decisions as to FIFG (Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance) co-financing must be made by each Member State, I intend to encourage Member States to make full, or better, use of FIFG aid. In this area, like for other fisheries matters, I repeat my commitment to pay the greatest attention to proposals made by the Parliament. It should also be recalled that, in order to avoid some of the difficulties encountered in the past, the future European Fisheries Fund will aim to make it compulsory for Member States to include, in their implementation of recovery plans, appropriate socio-economic measures for the benefit of affected communities. Member States will decide of course on the precise measures required to implement this obligation. 11. Illegal fishing What proposals will the Commission make, and when, to deal with illegal fisheries? Illegal fisheries constitute unfair competition to legitimate fishermen and put in danger the very survival of the sector in the long term. It is important to ensure that we avoid unfair competition for the Community fleet and that we secure a level playing field with regard to compliance with conservation measures. While the primary responsibility for combating illegal fisheries rests with the Member States, the Commission: will continue to see that Member States comply with the rules of the CFP. This will be done for example by reminding Member States that any infringements by vessels against fisheries rules must be followed up legally independently of whether the vessel concerned flies their flag or not; will play a leading role at international level with Regional Fishing Organisations (RFOs) and the FAO. In the framework of the FAO the Commission is currently 13

14 pushing for a port control scheme, which defines the rights and obligations of a port state during landings. Ideally this should later serve as a model for RFOs; will co-ordinate the implementation of the relevant provisions in Community law. The new Control Agency will also play an important role in combating illegal fishing. It will provide support to the Member States not only in Community waters but also in relation to fisheries agreements concluded with non-eu countries. It should also be active on the high seas under international control and inspection schemes agreed within the framework of Regional Fisheries Organisations such as the North-West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). 12. Baltic Sea Is the Commission making any proposals to improve the environmental condition of the waters of the Baltic Sea? What are your views on the effects of windparks in the Baltic on employment and resources? The enlargement of the EU means that all coastal states of the Baltic Sea, with the exception of Russia, are EU Member States, and the application of environmental and fisheries legislation will improve the situation in this sea. The Baltic is one of the world s largest brackish ecosystems and one of the most vulnerable with several identifiable threats. The quality of the environment is important for fisheries and this is particularly the case for the Baltic area. There are of course many factors that influence environmental conditions, and I will collaborate actively with relevant Commissioners and with the Member States authorities concerned with the improvement of the environmental condition of the sea. The Commission intends to discuss concrete proposals for the future of the marine environment, following on from the 2002 Communication Towards a strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment. Europe has an active policy on renewable energy and the expansion of wind power is an important part of this. The Community is currently the world leader in this field and more than people are employed within it. Construction at sea requires consideration with a view to mitigation of potential impacts on the marine environment, and Environment Impact Assessment may also be required under Community law. 13. Miscellaneous Do you propose to investigate the impact of predation by marine mammals (whales and seals) on fish stock? The new CFP framework Regulation No 2371/2002 clearly establishes that the Community shall aim at a progressive implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. 14

15 In future, EU fisheries managers will have to take into account the inter-relations between different parts of the marine ecosystem, not only the effect of fisheries on each individual fish stock. This includes the mortality exerted on stocks by all sorts of predators, whether marine mammals, sea birds or other fish species. All these aspects form part of the ecosystem approach that we have committed ourselves to implement, although this will be a long term process. At the Commission s request, scientists have already provided advice on the relative importance of factors such as large predators, pollution, habitat disturbance, changes in oceanic conditions or climate change on fish population dynamics compared to fishing. The ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) has confirmed, however, that the impact of fishing is the dominant factor determining the state of most fish stocks. It should also be recalled that Member States have the power, if they wish, to take measures to control populations of certain sea mammals. Further research and more precise advice is needed, however, and should become available in future as the results of research projects financed under the 6th Framework Programme for research ( ) become known. Improving the scientific basis for ecosystem-based management should be a priority for the 7th Framework Programme (starting in 2007) How do you propose to reconcile the protection of fish stocks in European Union waters and the importing of sea products from third countries which do nothing to manage resources? The international community must co-operate to ensure the proper conservation and management of fisheries resources. The Community imports fisheries products mainly from third countries which implement management regulations that are inspired by the instruments adopted by the FAO in the field of responsible fisheries and the fight against illegal fishing. Where third countries are known to refuse international cooperation and to ignore conservation and control measures, the Community may apply trade restriction measures agreed in the appropriate multilateral fora. It may be necessary in certain cases to also restrict landings by third country vessels in order to achieve conservation objectives. Such restrictions must always be based on internationally agreed rules. To this end, the Community prohibits landings and trans-shipment by vessels identified by Regional Fisheries Organisations, such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, as engaging in illegal, unreported and undeclared fishing activities as well as imports from states which do not co-operate with the relevant Regional Fisheries Organisations. The Community plays a major role within regional organisations in the development and implementation of measures to combat illegal fishing practices. This approach takes time to work. Our efforts, therefore, primarily concentrate on improving the existing instruments and measures whenever conservation requires their application. 15

16 13.3(1)What do you propose to combat black fish, i.e. undeclared or wrongly declared fish, particularly fish caught outside the quotas? Un-recorded or under-recorded landings pose a double threat to the health of the sector: first, they are likely to lead to quota overshooting and, second, they undermine the reliability of data collection and as a result the scientific advice on which it is based. There is no doubt that landing controls need to be strengthened. The European Fisheries Control Agency will play an important role in ensuring more effective and systematic controls in this field. I believe also that we must do our utmost to persuade fishermen of the urgent need to bring such practices to an end. Greater involvement of fishermen in the CFP process through the forthcoming Regional Advisory Councils should encourage them to observe the rules in which they have had an input as they should be eager to see them succeed. As you are aware, infringement proceedings concerning black fish have already been initiated against three Member States. I will also seek to ensure that the relevant shortcomings in enforcement are overcome. I strongly believe that Member States should apply sanctions that are sufficient to deter infringements. I intend to propose a catalogue of sanctions to be applied by Member States in relation to serious infringements. 13.3(2) Do you consider it necessary to make it obligatory for all fish products to be sold at auction? There is no doubt that landing controls must be improved. The decision regarding the obligation to market all fisheries products through public auctions rests with the Member States as there are no such obligations under Community law. This seems reasonable as the situation in terms of fisheries, geography and customs, for example, varies significantly from one Member State to another. It would not be appropriate to have a single Community approach in this area. It is important that Member States ensure the effective monitoring and control of landings. The arrival of the electronic logbook will help improve the situation as it will provide the authorities concerned with the recording of catches in real time. We must do our utmost to persuade fishermen of the urgent need for the correct recording of catches. As I said in reply to the previous question, greater involvement of fishermen in the CFP process through the forthcoming Regional Advisory Councils will be an added incentive for them to observe the rules in which they have had an input as they should be eager to see them succeed Do you envisage creating a social component within the CFP with particular reference to the social system for seafarers and the recognition of diplomas? As the Honourable Members will be aware, matters such as social security and pensions are an exclusive Member States competence. They are part of their economic system. On the one hand, the Commission must ensure that there are no unlawful state aids which could distort competition within the common market by their implementation. On the other hand, at Community level, it is possible to introduce some socio-economic complementary measures 16

17 under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance or its successor the European Fisheries Fund to alleviate problems specific to the sector when justified by a specific context. Similarly education and training are Member States competences, although some incentives are provided under FIFG and particularly the European Social Fund. I am not aware of difficulties with mutual recognition of diplomas but am willing to look into the question, together with other colleagues in the Commission, if needs be on the basis of a detailed submission What does the Commission propose to do about the cormorant problem? Since cormorants feed on fish in the wild and on aquaculture fish, they frequently conflict with producers interests. Like all wild bird species, the cormorant is protected under the Birds Directive. Its population, which was regarded as being in danger when this Directive was adopted, has since increased significantly. The species is now in a good state of conservation. Research on the development of improved methods to deal with the problem caused by cormorants to fishing has been carried out at European level and the results were presented earlier this year to the Member States. The Commission will certainly continue to discuss the situation with Member States. Member States should be re-invited to make use, where necessary, of the existing allowance for derogations from the prohibition of deliberate killing of birds or the deliberate destruction of nests so as to prevent serious damage to fisheries arising from cormorants. However, it should be noted that there is no agreement among the Member States on the need to develop international co-operation for managing the population of this species. 14. Maritime affairs What precise form will your responsibilities in the field of maritime affairs take? To what extent will these responsibilities encroach on maritime transport and maritime safety policies, if at all? If your jurisdiction does cover maritime transport and maritime safety, will you commit yourself to a close cooperation with the Transport Commissioner and the Parliament Committee on Transport to ensure full coherence with maritime transport policy? The responsibility for Maritime Transport and Maritime Safety will be firmly in the hands of the Commissioner for Transport. Mr Barroso has asked me to steer a new Maritime Policy Task Force with the aim of developing a Green Paper and launching a wide consultation on a future maritime policy for the Union. There is much important work relating to Maritime Affairs that has been done, or is being done, by various services that respond to different Commissioners, such as those responsible for Environment, Transport, Energy, Research, Regional Policy, Enterprise, and also others. It 17

18 will be my task to ensure that through the Maritime Policy Task Force we can build upon this valuable work and place it in a solid, wholistic and coherent policy framework, and I look forward to working closely with the Commissioners concerned in this regard. My responsibility will therefore be to steer the work of this Task Force and to animate a wide public consultation with all stakeholders in order to reach the widest possible consensus on the principles and means that should underpin the Maritime Policy of the European Union for the future. Within this agreed framework, it is clear that all Commissioners would be fully responsible for the policies and sectors which they have been entrusted by the Presidentdesignate. In the context of maritime affairs, the Community should also continue to closely follow matters related to the Law of the Sea. Obviously, in light of the above, I would be ready to cooperate fully with any Parliament Committee - in addition to the Fisheries Committee - including the Committee on Transport, if that Committee should consider it useful As part of the responsibilities of the Commission for Fisheries and Maritime Policy the publication of the Green Paper on Maritime policy is envisaged. How far can different policy areas like aquaculture, maritime environment policy, maritime science and research be developed into an overall coordinated maritime policy? Clearly one of the key challenges in developing a maritime policy will be to develop and use new modes of governance for a policy that cuts across many different sectors. All countries that have developed a Maritime Policy have recognised this challenge and attempted to address it as a matter of priority. It will be a top priority for the EU maritime task force as well. It will therefore be precisely the role of the Task Force to undertake widespread consultation and set out in the Green Paper to be published proposals as to the ways and the degree that different policy areas with a maritime dimension may be developed into an overall coordinated maritime policy, and I would prefer not to speculate, before the Task Force has even been composed, on the outcome of its work. 18