News
July 1, 2009
Energy efficiency comparable on new EU website
Decisions from a conference in 2006 arranged by DG MARE, the EU Commission’s office for fisheries and other maritime issues, included the setting up a website on energy efficiency in fisheries. That website is now operative. The aim to of the website is to spread information on that topic and share experiences relating to it. … Continued
July 1, 2009
Nordic cooperation to show what works
Dismissing the current EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as ”a fiasco, according to many”, a gathering of Nordic politicians has said that their own “working” solutions could set an example for the next CFP. The Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Nordic Council, a cooperation between Sweden, Denmark and Finland and EU non-members but … Continued
July 1, 2009
Scotland looks into fisheries slump
In order to “support our fishing industry during these difficult times”, the Scottish government has commissioned a detailed study of the recession hitting that business. The study, to be undertaken by the Sea Fish Industry Authority, will look at the impact of issues on fishermen such as quotas, fuel and fish prices, and the days … Continued
July 1, 2009
New England to try transferable quotas
US fisheries managers in New England, beleaguered by overfishing and an infamously collapsed cod stock, are trying a system of transferable quotas within cooperatives of fishermen. New England was hit hard by the total collapse of the enormous cod stock off Eastern Canada and Northeastern USA in the early 1990s. Over the last 20 years, … Continued
June 26, 2009
ICES on Kattegat Cod: Let it be
No catches at all in the Kattegat and a recovery plan not making the grade. A small TAC increase in the North Sea and the Skagerrak – given that tough restrictions are really imposed and enforced, which many doubt. The scientific advice for next year’s catch quotas remain guardedly pessimistic. Some other fish in those … Continued
June 25, 2009
Sweden gets new Marine Policy
“Integrated”, “cross-sectorial” and “overall approach” are key terms in a new Marine Policy the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament) has adopted. The bill for a new, comprehensive marine policy was introduced by the cabinet last spring. The focus of the new policy will be the sustainable exploitation of the resources of the sea and coastal areas, in … Continued
June 25, 2009
Study shows: Transparency and participation key to sustainable management
Little is known whether management schemes practiced around the world really help against overexploitation and improve sustainability. A new comprehensive study indicates meagre results. The study, published on the Public Library of Science website with Camilo Mora, a Colombian researcher at Dalhousie University and the University of California San Diego as lead author, had surveyed … Continued
June 24, 2009
Aquaculture and Control reform up for gabs in EU Council
A need to simplify the ”administrative burden” of the European aquaculture industry was highlighted in conclusions adopted by the EU Fisheries Ministers at their June Council meeting in Luxembourg. The Commission welcomed the Council’s support for its strategy, which “will provide new political impetus for the sustainable development of the sector”. The conclusions, with the … Continued
June 24, 2009
Little said about fisheries in Swedish Work Programme
Under the headline ”Using resources without using them up”, the upcoming Swedish EU Presidency recognises that the current Common Fisheries Policy “has not achieved its goals”. Only three paragraphs were devoted to fisheries in the 46-page work programme presented by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The programme added in much general terms that, in view of … Continued
June 24, 2009
ITQs not always profitable, study shows
A new study by two Canadian scientists shows surprisingly negative economic impacts of the Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQ) system, at least when those shares are leased. The study was made on the British Columbia halibut fishery, for many of the system’s advocates an ITQ showcase and great success story. ITQs have been widely accepted – … Continued