11
May
2023
Watch
Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries - Agreement of the IGC on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (High Seas Treaty) (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am trying in a minute to dismantle the lies of the right about the action plan for the conservation of marine resources. You're lying to the fishermen! It is a distraction from the responsibilities of national governments, such as the Italian one. This plan calls on the Member States to comply with the European directives of 2020 and 1992, the Habitats Directive and the Marine Framework Directive. In Italy, fishermen already do not fish in marine protected areas and do not trawl, they already do not fish in Natura 2000 sites to protect the seabed. Rather, where is the maritime spatial management plan to stop new drilling? Because while it is true that it is not only fishermen who are responsible for defending marine ecosystems, it is also true that we must therefore stop fossil fuels. So be consistent! Where are the EMFF calls to give legal landing points and fish markets to fishermen? Where is the money to modernize their boats and decarbonize them? Why does the money for the fishing stops come only after two years to the same fishermen? Take your responsibilities and tell the fishermen the truth.