WRITTEN QUESTION E-2743/02

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(30 September 2002)

Subject: Fishing industry earnings

Can the Commission provide assurances that it has fully assessed the socio-economic impact of its proposed reform of the common fisheries policy and its proposal in relation to the regulation of deep-sea fisheries? Is the Commission fully aware of the economic hardship faced by fishermen and the fishing industry in general and that the introduction by the Commission of measures which are not based on verifiable up-to-date scientific information, as has recently been witnessed in the regulation of deep-sea fisheries and the proposals for open access in the North Sea, will lead only to a total loss of confidence in the EU fisheries management regime by the very people responsible for its implementation?

Is the Commission aware that Scottish fishermen's earnings have plunged in three years to less than one third of the 1998 estimate for the worst hit industry sector? Over that period, vessel earnings fell 25 %, with a slight increase in prices being overwhelmed by a major loss of landings. The average fall in net profits was estimated at 75 %, with net profits falling as a percentage of income from 18 to 10 %.

The loss of earnings has led to crewing problems for two thirds of vessels which experienced difficulties recruiting experienced hands. The lack of confidence in the future of fishing has also meant an ageing workforce, with only 37 per cent of fishermen being below 30, with a resulting impact on safety and threatening the very future of fisheries-dependent communities.

Can the Commission ensure that the socio-economic consequences of its policies are fully assessed prior to their implementation?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2002)

In response to the Honourable Member's questions concerning the socio-economic aspects of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) it should be noted that the decrease in earnings of fishermen and the difficulties in recruiting crews are a consequence and result of overfishing and a decline in fish stocks. A growing number of fish stocks are on the verge of collapse due to too much fishing by a fleet that is far too large for the available fish. The proposed reform of the CFP sets out to address these problems. It should deliver biological, economic and social sustainability.

The Commission is well aware that restructuring of the sector may have a cost in terms of jobs. Funding to help fishermen take early retirement or train to enable them to work outside the fishing industry is already eligible for grant aid from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance.

As part of the road map towards reform of the CFP, the Commission has made a commitment to publish, before the end of 2002, an Action Plan to counter the social, economic and regional consequences of restructuring of the Community fishing fleet. It has indicated that this plan would be based on bilateral consultations with Member States to assess the likely socio-economic impacts of fishing effort limitation schemes.

A round of bilateral meetings has already taken place and the Action Plan is likely to be presented to the Council and Parliament around the end of October 2002.

Also, concerning the Proposal for a Regulation(1) on deep sea fisheries referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission took account of the historical data before preparing it and as a consequence reflects the previous earnings of fishermen.

(1) OJ C 151 E, 25.6.2002.