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Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association

PFA

uitoefening van duurzame pelagische visserij door vriestrawlers sustainable pelagic fisheries by freezer-trawlers

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Costas Kadis (Commissioner) and

7 Apr 2025 · Stakeholder session on EU and third countries including food security, transition of the fleet, spatial planning and innovation

Meeting with Fabrizio Donatella (Director Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and

3 Apr 2025 · Discussion on Coastal States Negotiations and IS MoU

Meeting with Bert-Jan Ruissen (Member of the European Parliament) and Cooperatie Kottervisserij Nederland (VisNed)

6 Dec 2024 · Fisheries

Meeting with François-Xavier Bellamy (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Nov 2023 · Enjeux stratégiques de la pêche - sécurité, souveraineté et puissance économique

Response to Communication on the functioning of the Common Fisheries Policy

23 Sept 2022

The PFA would like to highlight that the CFP has its merits, but also its flaws. This calls for specific tweaks of the current policy. The CFP has shown positive impacts on different fish stocks through the setting of catch limits at or below MSY. Following science has benefited pelagic fish stocks as well, with an important factor being the close collaboration between experts from the sector, scientists, public authorities and other stakeholders, especially in the Advisory Councils. It has been proven that industry contributions to fisheries science can greatly improve our knowledge of fish stocks and should play an even bigger role in the future. The value of having a stable framework shows clearly from cases where such a framework is absent, like in the context of the Coastal States cooperation and negotiations. The PFA fully supports the responses to the consultation made by EAPO and Europêche. In addition, we would like to underline that the functioning of the CFP and related policies could be improved by 1. More focus on actual, scientifically observed impact of fishing AND of other activities ON fishing EU fleets fish under well-proven management, each in their own large- or small-scale specialisation. It is therefore important not to base policy on large versus small vessels or large- or small scale fisheries, and to keep focusing on actual, scientifically observed impact of fishing instead of simply the size of a vessel. The size of a vessel alone does not reflect the actual impact of fishing. It is in fact the combination of fishing gear, selectivity and the use of technology, and the experience of fishers that determine the impact. It is essential to further improve data collection to better understand the effects of fishing on different species at the population level. But likewise more research should be done to better understand the collateral effects of other activities and natural or unnatural circumstances on fish stocks, and the outcome should play a role in scientific advice and stock management. In other words: we should not stop at identifying the impact OF fishing, but also the impact ON fishing. We still know very little about the effects of wind farms, pollution, and climate change on the current state of fish stocks and marine habitats. The overall objectives of the CFP will only be met if these influences are correctly assessed and considered. 2. Reviewing the definition of ‘(fishing) capacity’ with the aim of increased safety on board and facilitating decarbonisation Fishing vessels have limited space on board and are further constrained by capacity ceilings imposed by the CFP. These factors jeopardise energy transition and technological investments, as well as investments related to safety on board and well-being of the crew. The definition of ‘capacity’ is now based on a vessel’s gross tonnage and its power in kilowatt, which means that safety-related improvements, larger crew accommodations, leisure rooms, sanitary facilities, etcetera, would increase the ‘fishing capacity’ of the vessel. Of course, all these improvements have nothing to do to do with the ability to find, catch or store fish, and therefore should not be seen as fishing capacity under the CFP. Likewise, more energy-efficient alternative engines and other technological innovations require more space. It is crucial that CFP rules do not hamper the sector’s possibilities to experiment with new solutions for increasing selectivity or to pursue its own energy transition. Therefore, the definition needs to be revised in a way that makes it possible to introduce new technologies to decarbonize vessels and to improve safety and working conditions onboard. For instance a definition that is focused on net tonnage: the capacity of the vessel minus the part that does not contribute to the actual fishing activities. 3. Greater attention to the essential role of sustainable & responsible fishing in food security (for full feedback see att)
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Meeting with Bert-Jan Ruissen (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

23 May 2022 · Controleverordening

Meeting with Annie Schreijer-Pierik (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Apr 2022 · European fisheries - meeting with APA

Meeting with Helena Braun (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union and

8 Apr 2022 · Bottom trawling and preparation of the Action plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems

Meeting with Virginijus Sinkevičius (Commissioner) and

1 Apr 2022 · The follow up meeting with the sector to discuss the Commission response to the crisis in the fisheries sector, to present the measures adopted and planned

Meeting with Virginijus Sinkevičius (Commissioner) and

14 Mar 2022 · To discuss the impact of increasing fuel and raw material prices on the fishing sector

Meeting with Charlina Vitcheva (Director-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises in the European Union and

15 Apr 2021 · Arctic cod fisheries

Meeting with Joao Aguiar Machado (Director-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries)

1 Mar 2018 · Pulse Fishing

Meeting with Frans Timmermans (First Vice-President) and Cooperatie Kottervisserij Nederland (VisNed)

6 Nov 2017 · discussion on the future of EU fisheries

Meeting with Karmenu Vella (Commissioner)

10 Sept 2015 · Situation of pelagic stocks