Last Chance for Input on Common Fisheries Policy

European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, will host a one-day conference entitled 'Another Future for Fisheries', which will officially close the consultation on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, before the Commission starts drawing up concrete proposals for the new policy.

It will take an unusual format in that the key note speakers will not be the customary interested parties or politicians, but rather people who, by working in the fisheries sector, have come up with remarkably effective and ground-breaking projects.

Commissioner Damanaki explained: "Our industry often contains unsuspected centres of excellence, with smart, hard-working men and women who find original solutions to the sector's problems. We need to look at those practical solutions to find inspiration for a greener, simpler and more effective CFP, which should be shaped around the people it affects."

Short introductory speeches by Ms Damanaki, her counterpart for Research and Innovation, Màire Geoghegan-Quinn and Environment Commissioner, Janez Potocnik, will be followed by presentations and debate on a number of success stories which virtually cover all aspects of the reform – from conservation, aquaculture and discards to the role of women and consumers – and which, whether carried out with private or public money, have one thing in common: they mark undisputed progress in the fisheries sector and could forge new approaches for the future policy.

The conference, which will take place on 16 November, is organised by the Commission and is open to participants from the fishing industry or from administrations, to scientists, researchers, conservation organisations, NGOs and the press. It will take place from 09:30 to 17:30 in the Charlemagne building (room de Gasperi), rue de la Loi 170, Brussels.

Though the event is public, pre-registration is required. To attend the seminar, please do so online by clicking here.