Ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the protection of marine ecosystems. Pursue the objectives of the Biodiversity and Fish to Fork strategies, enhance the image of aquaculture products, combat illegal fishing practices and the entry into the EU market of illegal products. These were the main points outlined by Minister Teresa Bellanova yesterday during the Agrifish Council in videoconference mode.
At the beginning, Bellanova recalled some important achievements in 2019: the renewal of the intentions of the Medfish forever declaration and the enhancement of the work carried out within the GFCM - the General Commission for Fisheries in the Mediterranean - with the adoption of a Regulation on the possibilities fishing boats dedicated for the first time to the Mediterranean Sea.
"For sustainable fishing we must always remember the principle of regionalization to which the Common Fisheries Policy refers". Teresa Bellanova said stressing that Italy this year chairs the Sudestemed regional group, and actively collaborates with the presidencies of the other two regional groups: Pescamed and Adriatica. "It remains the intention of the Italian government to continue this important joint effort that is useful for achieving the shared objectives". He highlighted.
Specifically, "the management of fishing activities and the sustainable use of marine resources is one of the main Italian priorities" - continued Bellanova - "in line with the guidelines set out in the two strategies: Biodiversity and" Farm to Fork "- or better in our case, “Fish to Fork”. Italy has embarked on a process of reducing fishing effort, in particular as regards the trawl fleet, and an increasingly careful and targeted fight against both illegal fishing practices and the entry into the EU market of illegal products ".
And again: “the Farm / Fish-to-Fork strategy is of particular importance for the aquaculture sector, the priority is to enhance the image of aquatic products with promotional and popularization campaigns. We must continue to support the objectives set out in the Common Fisheries Policy and ensure that fishing in the Mediterranean is sustainable ".
Finally, satisfaction was expressed towards the Presidency for having advanced negotiations on the new EMFF fund in a context of very difficult crisis. "It is extremely important to reach an agreement on the new Fund as soon as possible with the European Parliament, to avoid delays that could aggravate the already difficult situation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector," concluded the Minister.