Reeling in the consequences

THE European Union is considering changing the rules for fishing in the community. Countries like Spain and France are leading a proposal to modify the way catches are reported to align more closely with fishing rules in the Baltic Sea. The proposal could however reduce current demands, potentially leading to overfishing of endangered species.

According to a confidential EU document obtained by a new source on Friday, March 24, the more lax rules could be harmful to the marine environment and fishing control. The document suggested the new rules could ‘question’ the imposition of fishing quotas, as well as encourage fishermen to underreport their catches.

The most caught species in Europe, such as mackerel, Atlantic herring, tuna, and swordfish, will be most affected by this regulatory change, which would apply to all boats sailing in EU waters.