The document summarizes the reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. It established in 1983 with the aims of protecting fish stocks and safeguarding the fishing industry, but failed to achieve either goal. By 2009, 88% of stocks were overfished and 30% at risk of collapse, with 40% fewer fishermen, 25% fewer boats, and a 45% reduction in catch. The UK government was committed to reforming the CFP to address overfishing, banning the discarding of edible fish, and moving away from one-size-fits-all management set in Brussels. After 3 years of negotiations using evidence, building alliances, and political momentum, a new CFP agreement was reached in 2013

1. Reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy
Neil Hornby, Head of Sea Fisheries, Defra

2. EU Common Fisheries Policy
• Established 1983 with two broad aims:
– Protect Europe’s fish stocks
– Safeguard fishing business and coastal communities
• But failed to do either. By 2009:
– 88% of stocks overfished, 30% at risk of collapse
– Since introduction of CFP:
• 40% fewer fishermen
• 25% fewer boats
• 45% reduction in catch
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3. Reform objectives
• Coalition Government commitment to secure
fundamental reform of the Common Fisheries Policy
• UK objectives focussed on addressing 3 core
failings:
– Overfishing
– ‘Discarding’ of perfectly edible fish
– One-size-fits-all management, with decisions taken in
Brussels
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4. Our approach
• Define the policy – what was our alternative offer?
• Deploy the evidence, build alliances and influence
the key players
• Build political momentum for reform, domestically
and across Europe
• Open Policy Making was central to our success
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5. The policy
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6. Public campaigns
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7. EU wide
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8. During negotiations
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Capitalise on political momentum
Leverage – who has influence
‘Real-time’ open policy making during negotiations
Role of European Parliament
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9. Outcome
• After 3 years of negotiations new CFP agreed in
June 2013, including:
– A legal commitment to sustainable fishing
– A ban on discarding fish
– New model of regional decision making
• “For years people said the Common Fisheries Policy was beyond reform. In Britain we
have seen our fish stocks depleted and profits diminished, while our fishermen have
been tied up in bureaucratic knots.
• “Yet in June we led the way on a historic agreement that will transform fishing practices
across Europe, and end micro-management from Brussels, massively benefiting our
fishing industry and our marine environment too.”
• (Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg speech on Britain in Europe 8 October 2013)
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10. Thank you
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