Quick compromise on fishing fleets is doubtful

Date: 12/12/1996

By Michael Mann

IRELAND looks set to fail in its aim of forging a compromise on the European Commission's controversial plans to slash the size of the EU's fishing fleet.

Ongoing contacts since last month's meeting of fisheries ministers have failed to convince a number of member states that there is a realistic chance of a compromise deal when they reassemble next Thursday (19 December).

“Some at least see the Irish ideas as a basis for discussion, which is progress compared to what has happened so far,” said one official pessimistically.

Others are less downbeat, believing that the approaching deadline will persuade the Commission to be more flexible.

But Fisheries Commissioner Emma Bonino has shown little inclination to renege on firm undertakings to bring fleet sizes more into line with available stocks.

She expressed disappointment at the outcome of November's debate, accusing ministers of shirking their responsibilities and warning that the Union would be unable to continue paying restructuring aid unless an acceptable deal could be found.

Even those taking a more optimistic view accept it will take something of a miracle to convince fisheries ministers that a rapid agreement is desirable.

Irish minister Sean Barrett's compromise suggested an initial three-year scheme, with a review in 1999; stressed the need for special treatment for coastal fisheries; and gave more emphasis to reducing time at sea as an alternative to simple decommissioning.

In theory, overall reductions for the whole EU fleet are supposed to be agreed before consideration can be given to dividing the cuts between member states and different segments of their fleets.

Some governments are now suggesting that they need more information about the impact any deal would have on them individually before they can adopt global reduction figures.

“We cannot agree on the headlines until we know what they will mean in concrete terms. But it is really hard to tell how things will develop. This is no longer a technical question, but is highly political,” said an official.