Fisheries and aquaculture in the context of integrated coastal zone management in Europe

The European Parliament adopted by 652 votes to 14, with 25 abstentions, a resolution on Fisheries and Aquaculture in the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Europe in response to the Commission’s communication on the same issue.

The own initiative report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Ioannis GKLAVAKIS (EPP-ED, EL) on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries.

The resolution underlines the economic and social importance of fishing and aquaculture for coastal regions and calls for them to receive assistance within the framework of ICZM. The Commission is invited to stimulate the process aimed at ensuring that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are involved and well represented in transnational maritime clusters.

MEPs consider that the European Fisheries Fund can contribute to the long-term funding of measures within the framework of ICZM since it supports actions which contribute to the sustainable development of fishing regions. They consider it necessary to clarify the competences of the administrative bodies of the coastal zones concerned and establish coordinated strategies so that they can be more effective. The Commission is invited, in monitoring implementation of ICZM, to re-examine, after consultation with Member States, whether or not a coordinating body needs to be set up.

The resolution stresses the need for representatives of the fishing and aquaculture sectors to be involved in activities linked to the planning and development of ICZM. It also calls on the Commission and the Member States to cooperate in order to promote and incorporate the principle of equal opportunities at the various stages of the implementation of the European Fisheries Fund. Furthermore, MEPs call for closer cooperation between competent bodies at regional level through exchanges of information relating to the state of coastal zones and the adoption of joint strategies to improve the environmental situation of local marine ecosystems.

MEPs consider that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors must both be included in a transversal approach to all maritime activities taking place in coastal zones, in order to achieve sustainable development. They propose that aquaculture projects which use renewable energy sources and which do not infringe areas protected under EU environmental law should be given priority under ICZM. They also consider that greater research efforts should be made in aquaculture with a view to introducing cultivation systems based on closed-circuit intensive production.

The Commission is invited, after consulting Member States, to set a clear timetable for examining progress in the implementation of ICZM in the European Union.