I successfully argued for a phased approach to reducing fishing mortality, as opposed to drastic once off cuts. We achieved the necessary balance between the conservation imperative and maintaining realistic opportunities for the fishing industry. The fact remains, however, that many key whitefish stocks are in crisis and the phased approach to catch reductions has been linked to the implementation of targeted recovery programmes to conserve and rebuild cod and hake stocks. Compensation for annual fluctuations in TACs and quotas is not on the cards. I again emphasise that the reductions in volume for certain whitefish species are likely to be offset by overall opportunities and increased value.
Quality control is a critical development challenge in a scenario of tight supply.