Today, Julien Lamothe, as our Vice-Chair, participated in the Implementation Dialogue on Small-Scale and Coastal Fisheries organised by Commissioner Kostas Kadis. As our representative, he drew attention to:
– Challenges faced by operators, including those linked to climate change, change in the available species, presence of invasive species, impacting the supply available on the market.
– Importance of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, including through the fight against IUU fishing and action against illegal activities by recreational fishers.
– Under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the importance of maintaining a dedicated fund for fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime affairs.
– Recognition of the of the key role of Producer Organisations for the management of fishing activities, market access, resources distribution, and consumer information activities.
– Recognition of the role of fish auctions for transparency in the market and access to fishery products, while also recognising the challenges in maintaining coastal infrastructure and issues of level playing field in the access to ports and processing facilities across the EU.
– Emphasis on exploring new market segments and opportunities, including through consumption of fresh products, processing activities for other market segments, and awareness campaigns.
– Continuous promotion of a level-playing-field with fair conditions in the EU market and in trade.
– Welcoming of the ongoing efforts for simplification of rules, especially for small operators and microenterprises.
– Connection with other horizontal policies affecting the fisheries and aquaculture supply chain, such as Regulation on Forced Labour, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, trade policy, food safety, and consumer information rules.
