Press Release: Commission: new organisation will boost implementation of EU integrated maritime policy and Common Fisheries Policy

The European Commission decided on a far-reaching reorganisation of the Directorate-General in charge of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. The former 'DG FISH' became the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and will now be known as DG MARE. The main change involved the setting up of three geographic Directorates that will be responsible for managing both the Common Fisheries Policy and the new EU integrated maritime policy (IMP) in Europe’s three main maritime regions. These will be complemented by a new Directorate in charge of co-ordination and policy development. The other two Directorates (External Policy, and Resources and Legal Affairs) will remain largely unchanged. There will be greater focus on Mediterranean fisheries and on control in international waters in line with the EU's commitment to fight illegal fishing. The new set-up took effect on 29 March.