In a statement sent to the media, the also member of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament points out that he demanded more support from the European Union to facilitate the adaptation of the sea-industry chain to climate change, “without a doubt” one of the ” major challenges “facing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The Galician MEP stressed that the increase in water temperatures and the acidification of the oceans have repercussions on the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, which must evolve accordingly.
Millán Mon has called for a modification in the principle of relative stability, “with hardly any changes since its birth 40 years ago”, without taking into account “the impact of climate change on the distribution of species”. “If we add Brexit and the landing obligation to this, it is very difficult for us to maintain the current key for the distribution of fisheries resources for much longer,” he said.
In his speech, he stressed that fishermen, shellfish workers and the rest of the sea-industry chain are not the cause of climate change but rather its victims. On the contrary, he has assured that “fishing and aquaculture are strategic sectors” and “allies in the fight against climate change”.
“Indeed, fish is often referred to as ‘the perfect protein’: it is the protein of animal origin with the lowest carbon footprint and the lowest environmental impact. As part of the fight against climate change, we must encourage the consumption of products from the sea “, he stressed.
The popular MEP recalled that many EU Member States already apply a super-reduced VAT rate for fishery products: Ireland (0%), Italy (4%), Poland (5%) or France (5.5%). Thus, he has urged all European governments to imitate these countries and recalled that the consumption of fish “is good for the planet and for health”, also due to its heart-healthy properties.
Finally, it has warned the European Commission that climate change should not be used as an excuse to impose stricter management measures and further cuts. “Any cut would further increase our already high fish import figures. The Union must promote a level playing field globally between the third country fleet and our fisheries sector, the most sustainable in the world,” he said.
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