Press Release: Fisheries: Commission proposes radical overhaul of control framework

On 14 November, 2008, the European Commission proposed a new Council Regulation recasting the EU fisheries control system. The result would be a completely modernized system for inspection, monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) rules throughout the market chain, from catch to the retailer. Harmonised inspection procedures and higher standards would ensure uniform implementation of control policy at national level, while taking account of the diversity and specific characteristics of different fleets. There will be measures to promote a culture of compliance throughout the sector, including simplification of the regulatory framework, and the introduction of harmonised deterrent sanctions. The capacity of the Commission to intervene to ensure that the rules of the CFP are being effectively implemented and enforced by the Member States will also be strengthened. In general, all aspects of the control and monitoring of fisheries activities would be simplified and made more efficient by the new rules.

• Primary Source

European Commission: MEMO/08709: Reform of Common Fisheries Policy control framework – questions and answers http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/709&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: SPEECH/08/617: Press Conference on the Reform of the Control System of EU fisheries http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/08/617&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Copmmunity Fisheries Control Agency: Control and inspection (Factsheet) http://cfca.europa.eu/pdf/control_vigo.pdf

European Commission: DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: EC Fisheries: About the Common Fisheries Policy: Control and enforcement: Reform of the fisheries control system - overview http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/control_enforcement/reform_control_en.htm

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