CONCERNED ACTION ON FISHING CRISIS

From the European Commissioner for Fisheries

Sir, I am grateful to The Times for keeping alive a serious debate on the future of European fisheries (leading article, October 17): the crisis facing the fishing industry is indeed a serious issue.

I can hardly think of a more brilliant and concise diagnosis of the predicament of this sector than your own :"Far too much fish is caught by far too many fishermen with far too few controls". Where our views diverge, however, is on the treatment : my firm belief is that rather than dealing with this crisis from a narrow, nationalistic point of view, concerted action by the countries of Europe is essential.

You suggest. instead, like many in the UK, that much could be put right by doing away with so-called "quota-hoppers". I dearly wish that it was that simple.Quota-hoppers exist because British fishermen legitimately sold their boats and licences to foreigners (who have not, consequently, increased the size of the UK fleet).

The British Government is raising the issue at the inter-governmental conference. That is a legitimate path, albeit a long-winding and uncertain one: to pursue a ban on quota-hoppers might seem simple, but implementation may well prove unrealistic if not outright illegal under Single Market rules.

This is a genuine emergency. The current European fleet is too big and will remain too big even if fishing conditions improve. Reductions of fishing activities through permanent measures are necessary, as they are the only sustainable way for European fishermen to restore long-term economic viability and international competitiveness.

The realistic way forward for the survival of the industry is a generous decommissioning scheme, to help bring about the reductions in activity required -with the British Government playing a full part.

Decommissioning provides an opportunity for the least profitable segment of the fishing fleet to avoid bankruptcy, allowing owners of vessels to recover their capital, which in some cases is likely to be reinvested in local activities. Improved conditions would thus be created for the remaining vessels.

I am glad to notice that the decommissioning scheme is finally under way in the UK, after years of inertia.

Yours faithfully,

Emma BONINO

European Commissioner for Fisheries

The European Commission

Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels

October 23