Posted online: Jan 27th, 2010

The incoming EU Fisheries Commissioner has indicated that a separate fishing policy for small-scale fishing fleets will be necessary as part of the ongoing reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Speaking to MEPs in Brussels, Commissioner Designate Maria Damanaki said she would consider the issue when she takes up office later this month.
Northwest MEP Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher praised what he said was ‘a high level’ performance by the Greek woman at her ratification hearings. ‘She responded to my request to give special recognition to inshore fisheries and small islands, and I welcome her commitment,’ said the Fianna Fáil MEP.
Independent MEP Marian Harkin was also pleased with the Commissioner Designate’s pledge to draw up a separate fishing plan for smaller countries. However Ms Harkin would have liked to have heard more information. ‘Ms Damanaki indicated her intention to support regionalisation and decentralisation where possible and spoke of her approval for a separate policy – but she did not go any further than this and gave no details as to how this policy would operate,’ said the MEP.
Irish MEPs now have more of a say in EU fishing policy, because the European Parliament has been granted equal decision-making power on fisheries under the Lisbon Treaty.