Regionalization of the Common Fisheries Policy

The Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Mr. Pat the Cope Gallagher (UFE, IRL) concerning a new approach for fisheries policy, based on regionalisation, or taking more account of the needs of local fishermen. The Parliament voted through a number of amendments concerning the new fisheries policy, due to come into effect on 1 January 2003. One of these relates to the extension of local 12-mile limits to 24 miles. The resolution now also includes a request to Council and the Commission to enter into discussions with Parliament this year with a view to drawing up plans 'to enable the common fisheries policy to be regionalised following the 2002 review'.�