Greenpeace exposes 20 European fishing vessels responsible for destructive fishing | WPN World People News

Greenpeace exposed 20 of the most destructive fishing vessels operating under European flags, ownership or management, two months ahead of a European Union (EU) deadline to end overfishing. All 20 vessels have been singled out because of their enormous capacity to catch fish and their impact on overexploited fish stocks, vulnerable marine species and habitats.

The German-flagged fishing vessel Helen Mary is involved in overfishing on a global scale, depleting stocks such as the Chilean jack mackerel in the South Pacific and pelagic stocks in West Africa. Large-scale vessels like this create little employment. The average catch per worker in 2008 was an estimated 614.2 tonnes, which is 5.2 times higher than the EU average.

The operations of all 20 vessels can be linked back to European countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Only one vessel is flagged outside the EU but operated by a Greek-registered company.

Saskia Richartz, Greenpeace EU oceans policy director said: “The operators of these vessels use tricks – like changing the identity and flag of their vessels or using front companies and tax havens – to increase their access to fishing opportunities or to circumvent rules and regulations. They create comparatively little employment, while putting in jeopardy the health of our seas. EU governments must stop turning a blind eye to overfishing, remove monster boats from industrial fishing fleets and encourage low-impact alternatives.”

By focusing on some of the top contributors to global overfishing, Greenpeace is challenging EU countries to take action and eliminate excess fishing capacity where it matters most. Europe should also give preferential access to fishing opportunities to traditional and low-impact fishermen, as required under the new EU Common Fisheries Policy.

Source: Greenpeace EU Unit