Better understanding of the marine ecosystem is a research priority, says Agriculture and fisheries DG
Improving the knowledge of the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems should be a long-term priority of marine research, according to the European Commission's Agriculture and fisheries Directorate-General. The Commission wants to increase efforts to integrate environmental objectives into the Common fisheries policy and has outlined a strategy, which it hopes the Fisheries Council will adopt this spring in preparation for the Gothenburg summit. 'A first and fundamental element of the environmental integration in fisheries is a change in attitude of management by the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management,' says the Commission. 'Because current scientific knowledge does not permit a perfect understanding of the aquatic ecosystems and they are affected by human activities, management measures should be adopted on the basis of a judicious application of the precautionary principle...Adopting the principles of the environmental policy implies extensive consultation to ascertain the implications of the complete application of these principles to fisheries management.' Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture and fisheries, joined Margot Wallström, the Environment Commissioner, in welcoming the publication of the strategy. 'I am pleased that environmental concerns will play a major role in the management of the fisheries policy,' said Wallström. 'The integration of green policies into other sectors of Community policy is one of our priorities and necessary to achieve sustainable development. I hope the Fisheries Council will be able to adopt an integration strategy in time for the Gothenburg summit.'