Success! MEPs vote to reform fishing laws and protect oceans

European politicians voted overwhelmingly in favour of radical, progressive reform of our fishing laws. A "victory for citizen power" is how Roger Harrabin, the BBC’s environment analyst, described it. So, well done citizens!

Together we set out to achieve what seemed like an impossible challenge: to reform the infamous Common Fisheries Policy - the package of broken laws that have depleted our fish stocks and devastated fishing communities across Europe.

Previously, huge industrial interests have held our seas to ransom, emptying our waters for profit. But then thousands of us stepped in to help. Cooperation between campaign groups, fishermen, champion politicians, retailers, and celebrity chefs like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, all made sure that our MEPs could not ignore what we wanted: real change to protect our fragile seas.

So what's in the new measures? A ban on discards: the cynical practice of throwing dead fish back into the sea to meet fishing quotas. The changes also reward responsible fishing and set catch limits in line with the best scientific advice. Importantly, new rules to improve the behaviour of European boats wherever they fish, anywhere in the world. Now, we stand a real chance of achieving a fish-filled future.

There are more hurdles ahead. The next stage will require agreement from European fisheries ministers (and that could take months). But let’s take a moment to enjoy this, and reflect on how much we have achieved.

Let's keep going!
Greenpeace news