Fisheries Council Debates Maximum Sustainable Yield, Maritime Fund

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was another key element of the CFP discussed.

In regard to the MSY proposal, Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mette Gjerskov, who chaired the meeting, said: I want to stick to 2015 with regard to Maximum Sustainable Yield, but we must realise that it is not possible for all stocks."

"Therefore we aim at an agreement that will be fully implemented after 2015, but with a fixed date for the final implementation. That date may be 2020. Fundamentally it is about making sure that both fish and fishing industry will survive.

The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund was also discussed at todays meeting.

Ms Gjerskov also commented on the EMFF. The new Maritime and Fisheries Fund is an important tool for achieving the ambitious objectives of the CFP. These are reduced overcapacity, a ban on discard and the implementation of MSY. At the same time the fund will support the development of healthy aquaculture and the Integrated Maritime Policy.

The council also covered aquaculture and the consequences of the closure of fishery by EU vessels in Mauritanian waters.