MARITIME AFFAIRS AND FISHERIES - 24-25/09 - Fisheries Council - Premiums for permanent and temporary cessation: the debate is on

Ministers held a policy debate on the proposal for a regulation on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. They mainly discussed whether additional measures were necessary to support fishing fleets. Some Member States indicated a wish to keep funding in place to compensate fishermen and shipowners who permanently or temporarily stop fishing activity, or else to finance the replacement of engines. Other Member States expressed their concern that these measures would lead to an increase in fishing capacity, putting a huge strain on fish stocks.

Related topics

European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF) Fisheries Reform

date: 11/10/2012

In its original proposal for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Commission proposed not to use EU funds to support either temporary or permanent cessation of fishing activity. The Commission had also proposed to focus EU funds on investments to support fishermen in the transition to a full discard ban, increased energy efficiency to maximise fuel savings and reduce emissions, and improve working conditions. In addition, the Council supported the increase in aid for aquaculture and is asking for greater administrative simplicity in the procedures for granting aid.