Small-scale fisheries placed high on agenda with European Commissioner

As European Maritime Day 2013 is being celebrated in Malta, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanki this evening held bilateral meetings with junior minister Roderick Galdes.

Small-scale fishing was placed high on the agenda by the Maltese government as Commissioner Damanki pledged EU's financial support towards Maltese fishermen.

In a press briefing, were members of the press were not allowed to make questions, parliamentary secretary for fisheries Roderick Galdes once again welcomed the agreement attained on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, described as a turning point  for fisheries management in the Mediterranean.

"The EU will now fully enshrine the principle of joint management in seas that are also shared with third country partners," Galdes said.

Throughout the discussions Malta insisted that for conservation matters to lead to positive results, joint initiatives at Mediterranean level are required.

"The Commissioner championed this cause and we now have interesting prospects for better and more inclusive Management that will offer a level playing field for our fishermen," he added.

During the meeting, Galdes highlighted the importance of small scale fisheries. According to the parliamentary secretary, small scale fisheries are the most sustainable fishing segment and deserve to be prioritised, both in view of the socio cultural and economic role but most importantly because they will put the Common Fisheries Policy at advantaged position to reach its goals.

"We also explored ways of how this segment can be given priority assistance through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). It is welcoming that the Commissioner shares this ambition and together we now look forward to explore ways that will allow us to reap benefits of a more sustainable fishery in the near future," he said.

On her part, Commissioner Damanki said the EU will be helping the fishermen in adjusting to the new Common Fisheries Policy, which she described as sustainable and "friendly" towards small scale vessels and resources.

"We will not leave the fishermen alone and we will help out with funds," she said. Damanki added that the EU wanted to see better results in countries' compliance with the CFP.

Damanki admitted that the fishermen had to compete in a not so level-playing field and therefore international cooperation was needed.

"I hope this sector can be prosperous in that avoids the crisis and also act as a sector that creates jobs," she said.