Profiles

Visions of Common Fisheries Policy Reform:
Simon Woodsworth, Ex-Coordinator of the Regional Committee for Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Languedoc-Roussillon (CRPMEM LR)

Seafood Choices Alliance asked a number of individuals representing various sectors of the seafood industry to offer their view of the Common Fisheries Policy reform and consultation. The following article represents the views of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Seafood Choices Alliance.

As the second largest fishing fleet in France, the Languedoc-Roussillon has an important responsibility in carrying the French fishing sector towards new goals, such as collective integrated management or even biodiversity conservation. Relying on the ancient Mediterranean tradition of the Prud’homies (small-scale fishermen corporations), it is essential for the fishing sector to become a proper ‘manager of the sea’, in partnership with public authorities and other stakeholders. Organizations such as the CRPMEM LR support and occasionally coordinate this process.

From the perspective of stakeholder, ecosystem management on a regional basis appears to be a solution. To establish the sustainable use of natural resources, a governance process based on scientific assessment is necessary, allowing for fishery productivity and biomass conservation. For example, one of the most interesting experiences over the past few years has been the development of fishery management plans in the Mediterranean, as required by regulation n°1967/2006 of the European Council. Representing a collective and integrative approach, and based on the dialogue between scientists, fishermen and public authorities, the Mediterranean management plans encourage and require a level of cooperation that is necessary to achieve sustainable fisheries.

This approach must be widely promoted and can surely be an example to others, especially as the CFP reform explores ways to improve the governance process.

Photo credit (fishing boat): Nicholas Woodsworth

September 7 , 2009

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