The new EU procedures for the weighing of certain pelagic catches apply to all concerned EU fishermen and are designed to facilitate effective control of pelagic fisheries. Such control is a key element in fisheries management policy and enables the sustainable management and development of the fisheries concerned. This is an entirely valid policy objective, and I fully support it.
I have met representatives of both fishermen and the fish processing sector on the implementation of these new procedures. These discussions were wide-ranging and comprehensive and focused on the need to ensure that catch quality is maintained.
I am pleased that following these constructive discussions, it has proved possible to put in place certain transitional arrangements which are both effective in control terms and satisfy the legitimate requirement of both fishermen and processors to maintain the quality of catches.
In the coming period, additional infrastructural facilities, such as weighing facilities, will be installed in the relevant fishery harbour centres to enable an efficient and effective implementation of these new requirements. In addition, I have asked my Department to work with local authorities and industry to ensure that the necessary facilities are also put in place in the key additional ports. In tandem with this process, a close dialogue will be maintained with sectoral representatives to ensure that appropriate account is taken of any practical issues arising.