East Midlands MEP supports Lincolnshire fishermen in latest EU Parliament report

Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has today voted in support of a report backing the small-scale coastal fishing industry in the UK.

The report itself was initiated by the fisheries committee in response to the economic decline of coastal and island regions and their fishing industries in recent years. The updated Common Fisheries Policy of 2013 placed emphasis on economic growth in these communities through support for sustainable fishing, for example by giving preferential access to small-scale and traditional fisheries within a zone extending for 12 nautical miles. The Parliament report seeks to go further by raising ideas for how to further protect this industry.

Among the ideas generated within the report are recommendations to the Commission to consider traditional fishing techniques used by small scale fishermen, in particular the ban on traditional gears and techniques such as gillnets, and how small-scale coastal industries can be negatively affected and protected from future legislation. It also places emphasis on the importance of diversification and innovation so that these coastal communities can remain competitive within the wider fishing industry, including through greater investment in scientific research in coastal regions.

Speaking after the vote on the report, Emma said:

“Today I´ve voted to support our Lincolnshire Fishermen. This important report highlights some of the issues small scale fishing communities face off the coast of the UK. We can help to improve economic performance through meeting the needs of the individual fishermen, for whom fishing is part of their daily lives.

“I have been out on ‘the Wash’ in Boston and seen for myself how these small fishing boats struggle to make ends meet, faced with rules that come directly from Brussels and don’t give due consideration to their traditional fishing methods, for example. Today I am giving those people a voice – those who, unlike the larger vessels, don’t have the ability to absorb changes in practice and costs.

“I hope that through this report the European Commission will listen to these peoples’ concerns and adapt legislation to suit their needs, improving economic performance in these areas at the same time.”