Commission proposal for a blanket-ban on driftnet fishing

The European Commission has proposed regulations that will prohibit fishing with driftnets in EU waters. The proposals, which would come into force on 1 January 2015 pending approval, would introduce a blanket-ban on all driftnet fisheries irrespective of the size of net used. The Commission refers to on-going non-compliance of existing EC regulation by some Member States as the rationale behind the proposals but Welsh fishermen have stated that the ban will have serious consequences for Wales.

ESO: Background information: Fisheries: European Commission proposes full ban on driftnets http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-fisheries-european-commission-proposes-full-ban-on-driftnets/

NAW: Research Service: EU Policy Update (EU2014.02): Proposed regulation of driftnet fisheries, June 2014 http://www.assemblywales.org/14-031.pdf

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