„This time, the main theme was fish resources’ sustainability. For us, it is a topic of great importance, as it influences directly our sprat and Baltic herring fishing capacity and quota negotiations,” said the Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus, representing Estonia at the meeting. „Of course it is clear that fish resources have to be well preserved and managed. At the same time, too drastic and unreasonable cuts should be avoided — our fish resources are in a stabile status and there is no reason for extreme measures.” The maximal sustainable yield discussed today is one of the main questions of the planned EU fisheries policy reform. It means the greatest catch which can be caught in the long term without damaging fish resources. According to the European Commission, such level of yield should be achieved in terms of all species by the year 2015. „Our stance is that goals should be reached gradually, leaving time to the fisheries sector to adjust to the situation. If sprat quota is reduced by half in the course of two years, then we certainly cannot talk about a reasonable adjustment. Also, one should consider the mutual relations between species: it is not reasonable to regulate sprat and Baltic herring catch separately from cod fishing, as this predatory fish influences considerably the abundance of other species. Additionally, fish resources have to be protected in another way, not only with quotas — for example, with the help of a better fishing technology,” said Pentus. In addition to maximal sustainable yield, the major themes of the fishery reform are prohibiting the rejects of dead fish, bringing some quota decisions on a regional level and transition to transferable fisheries quota system. |
