Marinet16 February 2010
The MARINET network is a part of Friends of the Earth, and campaigns to protect the marine environment around the coast of the UK.
The Marinet campaign on the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is calling for a reform which will deliver food security and rebuild fish stocks.
Our fish stocks are now so depleted that they can only meet our needs for six months of the year. This means we have to take fish from other seas and other fishing communities around the world.
However, if we rebuild fish stocks to post World War 2 levels we can ensure that they're sufficient to meet our needs for fish for all 12 months of the year, year after year. We'll have regained food security and restored wider health to our seas.
Marinet also propose re-employing fishermen as managers of marine reserves, which would centre on spawning and nursery grounds so that stock levels can be rebuilt. This will give fishermen a clear financial benefit from the new CFP.
Currently the EU does not intend to reform the policy in this way, which means that fish stocks will continue to fall. As the EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki has herself stated, by 2020 only 8% of 136 fish stocks will still be in a sound condition if overfishing is not reduced.
To support Marinet in their campaign to reform the CFP, please sign their petition.
Marinet's membership is open not only to Friends of the Earth local groups, but also to individuals and organisations. To find out what else you can do to support the campaign, visit their website.
