Brussels refuses to paralyze veto on bottom fisheries and sends Spain to court

The European Fisheries Commission on Monday rejected Spain, France and Ireland’s request to suspend the measure and discuss scientific data on the state of affected ecosystems. He directed the Spanish Government to apply for the suspension of this ban as a precautionary measure.. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Luis Planas was in favor of this decision yesterday. His department is already examining the legal basis of the appeal.

In the middle of the month, the Galician fishing industry received news that jeopardized its viability and affected nearly a thousand boats. Regarding the veto of bottom fishing in 87 areas of the Atlantic to protect the ecosystem of sensitive areas between 400 and 800 meters as of 9 October. decree opens the door of veto even on surfaces minors due to lack of definition.

This is a measure affecting 16,400 square kilometers from the Bay of Cadiz to the entire Atlantic, Cantabrian, Bay of Biscay and Gran Sol coasts. as well as small gear. However, the same activity will continue for Dutch ships in UK, Danish or German waters.

Spain, France and Ireland demanded that this issue be addressed at the European Fisheries Council meeting, which brought together the branch ministers of the member countries yesterday. spain minister, louis planesHe called for the suspension of the measure, like his colleagues, for an “immediate review” based on “updated scientific data” showing that the ecosystems for which, in his vision, fisheries would be banned are in good condition. You can continue working.

France and Ireland have supported their position to paralyze the measure until they review the most up-to-date scientific data on the viability of removal in the affected areas, due to arrive in Brussels in November. Planas questioned the rush to implement the measure should the Commission have this information in a little over a month.

“The precautionary principle of seas and oceans seems clear to me, and the commission applies it. With the same intensity, our fishermen and our fishing activity would have to apply the precautionary principle.”

European Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkeviciusclosed the door to these longings. He assured that the International Council on Marine Exploration (ICES) would act “in its scientific opinion” and accused countries of sending data used while refusing to use the updated information to park a decision that would punish thousands of people. Galician ships.

The commissioner rejected Spain’s request to halt the measure, saying, “The Commission understands that it has not been well received by all stakeholders, but we are convinced it is the best possible solution because it is based on the best scientific advice available.” France and Ireland.

Despite his statements from 2023 that this ban will be “reviewed every year,” Sinkevicius simply opened the door for rectification of a measure that has no scientific basis. The discussion will start in November with the contribution of new data.. “The closure of these areas will be reviewed if there is a reason. [en 2023] and fishing gear, but I can only guess we don’t know what that advice will be,” he said.

This decision prompts the Spanish Government to seek justice. Planas acknowledged that his department was working on this resource prior to attending the meeting. “We are in consultation with state legal services, but I think this decision is material for it to be effective.brought before the European Court of Justice” he said to the press. “We’ll go to court if we have any basis. I’ve decided,” he assumed. His department later reiterated its intention to file the appeal, but is “on hold” to consult legal services.

Faced with this situation, Xunta urged the central government to go to European justice. Fisheries Minister Rosa Quintana said, “We understand that if the reports you have relayed to me about the Commissioner’s refusal to suspend the enforcement of this regulation are confirmed, the ministry must submit this appeal as soon as possible.” , in action in Ribeira. “Minister has full support of affected communities”added.

The Minister of Consumption was unaware of the conflict that broke out on the 15th: “I have the first news”

“I have the first news.” In this way, Minister of Consumption Alberto GarzonHe acknowledged on Monday that he was ignoring the open dispute with the European Union over the close veto on bottom fishing, which has punished not only Galicia but also the rest of the Cantabrian fleet.

Yesterday, Garzón visited the National Marine Biotoxins Laboratory in Vigo, one of the ports most affected by the ban on bottom fishing in the 87th region of the Atlantic, a measure known since the 15th. He admitted that he was completely unaware of the matter. “The truth is, I don’t have enough information to answer you as it’s the first news I’ve heard, I’ll keep myself informed and reply when I find out,” he replied to the press.

While Garzón admits he doesn’t know A measure that will directly affect fish consumption across the state, the issue has been at the center of the political debate in Galicia. Fisheries Minister Rosa Quintana warned of the potential damage Brussels could cause. “Now I’m closing everything and making decisions like I’ll come back in 10 years, evaluate and see what’s up…” Perhaps there are Russian or Chinese fleets fishing where community fleets fish.” he warned. PPdeG spokesman Pedro Puy announced an initiative to seek political “reconciliation” at today’s plenary meeting.

BNG’s deputy parliament speaker, Olalla Rodil, advocated establishing a “common front” against Brussels, but socialist Xulio Torrado blamed the PP for the decision, as he heads the European People’s Party’s Fisheries Commission. He asked Xunta’s chairman, Alfonso Rueda, to mediate before the other party members.

BNG’s European Parliament Member Ana Miranda assessed on Monday that there was a “commercial interest” after the European Commission’s decision. The Galician nationalist said in a statement, “There is a veto behind this decision. commercial interest to drive the Galician fleet out of certain fishing grounds and to continue with the policy of importing fish from abroad.

In this sense, he questioned why the commissioner did not want to consider the socioeconomic impact of the bottom fishing veto, and wondered if he had calculated the loss it would cause for certain fleets, such as the Galician fleet: Did he calculate the number of jobs at risk? ? calculated which fishing communities are affected?