Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the Commission
3.2.2015
The EU has put in place a comprehensive system of rules dealing with the control of fishing activities, the combat of illegal fishing and the elimination of the access of IUU fish to the EU market as set out in the Control[1] and IUU Regulations[2].
With respect to the combat of the IUU activities the Commission is working on the following areas:
- —Establishing a global and integrated common approach to fisheries control ‘from the net to the plate’,
- —Enhancing mutual cooperation between all Member States, third countries, the Commission and the European Fishery Control Agency,
- —Developing a culture of compliance for all stakeholders and disseminating useful information to raise awareness,
- —Ensuring a level-playing field across the EU in terms of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the EU IUU rules,
- —Applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for serious infringements against these rules,
- —Guiding Member States on issues concerning the application of the EU catch certification system,
- —Promoting robust and targeted controls at EU ports through an active use of the mutual assistance system, exchange of information and best practices between the Commission and Member States,
- —Cooperating with third countries in addressing IUU problems and achieving structural changes in their fisheries management systems to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
The Commission intends to continue and reinforce its work in those areas in the coming years.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20.11.2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, OJ L343/1, 22.12.2009.
- [2] Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, OJ L 286/1, 29.10.2008.