EU Commissioner listens to Flemish fishing industry during visit to Ostend
The new European commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, visited Ostend on Monday. He started off by visiting the city's fish auction, where he listened to the concerns of the Flemish fishing industry.
Kadis was accompanied by the Flemish minister for Marine Fishing, Hilde Crevits, who represented the sector.
Crevits argued for the use of more up-to-date data on fish stocks when fishing quotas are set. According to the minister, this is often done on the basis of outdated information. This leads to large fluctuations in fish quotas, which is difficult for Flemish fishers to work with.
The two also discussed the fisheries agreement with the United Kingdom. "We need to renegotiate with the UK how much fish can be caught," said Crevits. "When you know that 75 per cent of the fish caught in our waters comes from British waters, you know that you have to have the Commissioner on your side."
"We need to renegotiate with the UK how much fish can be caught"
Furthermore, Crevits asked for reduced administrative burdens for the sector. She also wants to see better spatial planning, with more consideration for fisheries.
Science-based fishing
Kadis' visit also included the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), where he was shown the research facilities. Afterwards, he said he was impressed by the cooperation between the fishing industry and science.
"I will take the information I have gathered here with me during my mandate," Kadis said. "I intend to make several visits to Europe. During these visits, I will be able to get direct feedback and listen to the concerns and suggestions of the fisheries sector. This feedback will be important in shaping our policy."
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE / BELGA VIDEO MAAIKE TIJSSENS
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