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On 1 January 2010, a set of new, strong rules entered into
force to bolster the control system of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. These
rules will give the EU and its Member States new and powerful tools not only to
protect the resources of seas and oceans from unscrupulous operators, but also
to protect the livelihoods of honest fishermen who would otherwise be exposed
to unfair competition. With no preferential treatment from one country to
another and no real temptation to cheat, because offenders will not be allowed
to get away with breaking rules, the new system will enable fishermen to ply
their trade under the same conditions, thus promoting a culture of compliance
throughout the fisheries sector. The new framework comprises three separate,
yet interlinked Regulations: one to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing, one on fishing authorisations for the EU fleet operating outside EU
waters and another Regulation establishing a control system for ensuring
compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. Welcoming the entry
into force of the new rules, European Commissioner for Fisheries Joe Borg said:
"There was a time when an unprincipled minority of fishermen found that
they could persistently bend the rules – or just break them outright – and get
away with it. This new fisheries control framework puts a stop to
that". For more information, see the European Commission's
Combating Illegal Fishing website.
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