Strasbourg, 12th April 2016 -- The European Parliament has backed proposals that would ensure small scale fishermen and coastal communities are strengthened.

The report, drafted by Croatian ECR MEP Ruza Tomasic, on small-scale coastal fishing in regions dependent on fishing received a strong majority amongst MEPs.

For most coastal areas the traditional form of fishing is a way of life and a significant source of livelihood. These areas require specific measures and support in order to grow and develop.

Mrs Tomasic suggests better protection of non-industrial coastal fishing in regions which depend on fishing. Innovation and diversification should be the key tools to help the regions to survive.

Furthermore, Tomasic calls on the European Commission to introduce a selective approach when developing legislative proposals on the use of fishing gear and techniques and to take into account the impact they have on non-industrial fishing resources in each relevant area.

Tomasic's report looks at how the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) could help to diversify coastal economies, such as by investing in fish restaurants that sell local produce, and it calls for EU science and development funding to be used to invest in collection of data about Europe’s seas, and to promote more scientific research based in coastal regions.

Following the adoption of the report, she said: “Coastal fishing offers a way to help the regions which face depopulation, and it would be a shame if we do not embrace this opportunity.

"For example, we can invest in industries related to fisheries, such as tourism and culture and in that way revitalise our coastal regions. The only way to keep the economies of coastal communities vibrant is to create jobs through innovation".

ENDS  

Contact: ECR Press Office, James Holtum on +32 473 861762; james.holtum@europarl.europa.eu

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