On Saturday 1st September the South West London Greenpeace group hit the streets of Brixton to recruit friends for the UK’s sustainable fishermen.
Why do we need Fisherman’s Friends?
The EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) favours the most powerful parts of the fishing industry which has the highest environmental impact. This means that the larger more damaging part of the industry receives more support from the EU, not only monetarily but also in the number of fish they’re allowed to catch.
What’s the craic currently with our seas?
Currently, our fishing industry is on the brink of ruin with 70% of fish stocks being overfished. The CFP, created in the 70’s, is only reformed every 10 years. It is so important that we help to reform the policy now to protect the seas and local fishing communities alike, before it is too late.
Which Fishermen are we befriending?
A huge 77% of Britain’s Fishing Fleet is made up of small-scale (10 meters or less in length) fishing boats, most of which fish sustainably. While all small-scale fishermen are not perfect, the majority belong to costal fishing communities or families that rely upon the industry for their livelihood. This in turn generates a huge respect for the sea, recognition for conserving fish stock and the long-term environmental health of the sea. Unfortunately, these fishermen can barely make a living, as they’re only allowed to catch 4% of the fish that the UK is allowed to catch. This annual quota is not only unfair and damaging to the environment, but makes no sense to nature. Fish are seasonal and live in different areas of the sea, they are not dispersed evenly or constant. We’ve even seen cases of fishermen having a large allowance to catch a type of fish that they may rarely ever have caught.
What do we want?
Greenpeace and NUTFA (New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association) want:
-The CFP to work for the environmentally friendly fishermen who support local communities, not against them
-Stop using public money for destructive fishing practises around the world and that strict laws apply to EU fishing fleets wherever they fish
-Put the health of the sea first, protecting fish stocks, stopping needless discards
The CFP also gave European vessels the right to fish in developing countries, threatening the livelihood of local fishing communities. Greenpeace would see reformation of the CFP so that rights are only given to those who fish in the right way.
What did Brixton think?
We got a whopping 76 signatures for the CFP reform petition, as well as dozens of texts. The public seemed aware of overfishing, and many people referred to Hugh’s Fish Fight. Speaking to local fishmongers in Brixton village, we were amazed at how much support they demonstrated for sustainably caught fish and local fishing communities. The family run businesses that we spoke to, including Dagon’s Ltd, were very knowledgeable on the CFP and were angry with the way that some European fleets treat the sea, with no consequence from the EU.
What next?
On 19th November we see MEP’s meet for the first full vote on the new policy. If you haven’t already, please sign-up to be a Fisherman’s Friend http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/oceans/beafishermansfriend and let the Fisheries Minister know that you support local sustainable fishermen.
Note: All information based on Network Coordinators briefing, for more information please contact c_paton@hotmail.co.uk.
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