(Eel Working Group)

Following the development and presentation of the concerns of different bodies and stakeholders on the sustainability of the stocks of the European eel, at the different stages of its lifecycle, the European Commission has developed a European Action Plan for this species. After study of the own-initiative report of the European Parliament and the recommendations of the Working Group on Eel of the EIFAC, the FEAP resolves that the Commission’s Action Plan is largely inadequate and will not give the results anticipated.

The FEAP is very concerned about the lack of science and the lack of supported scientific data for the successful implementation of such a plan, which has been developed and presented without transparency. Actions that have been recommended for increasing eel stocks appear to be arbitrary, poorly developed and do not take account of, for example, the seasonal nature of the glass eel fishery.

More scientific data are required, in addition to time for deeper consultation with stakeholders, so as to provide a realistic and acceptable plan for improving the sustainability of the European eel stocks.

REVISION OF THE COMMON MARKET ORGANISATION AND LABELLING

(Salmon and Large Trout Commission)

In the light of the revision of the Common Market Organisation, the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers recommends that the European Commission seize this opportunity to clarify, for the sake of consumers, the labeling of fresh fish products and those that have been frozen previously.

This clarification on labeling should also indicate the processing methods applied to the fish. This action will enhance the consumer’s appreciation of the provenance of the products.

TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR MARKETING ACTIONS

(Mediterranean Aquaculture Commission)

During its last Annual General Meeting, FEAP recommended a proposal to the Commission for the funding of transnational marketing cooperation in accordance with the Community Policy of promoting development of the single market.

As an example of need for such actions, one can site the evolution of the situation in the sea bass and sea bream sector; the current collapse of prices, the subsequent crisis for aquaculture producers in the E.U and the production forecasts for a significant increase over the next 18 months, mostly from third countries imposing a need for European marketing actions. FEAP urges the Commission to integrate this possibility in the existing FIFG funds and in the European Fisheries Fund for the future.

1. It must embrace transnational cooperation in the field of marketing of aquaculture products
2. There must be retention from the European Fisheries Fund, held centrally by the commission for the purpose of assisting such transnational cooperative projects, since the financing via the different Member States on a common action remains totally unrealistic as past experience has shown.