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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)
The guidelines contained in the Action Plan to protect the marine ecosystem presented by the Commission are of considerable concern, with particular reference to bottom trawling, which would be banned in 30% of our seas. Our fishermen have made enormous efforts to protect the marine environment and recover fish stocks and are facing extremely difficult challenges in all respects, with significant socio-economic and employment effects. Now, these orientations based on an inadequate ideological environmentalism are yet another affront to a sector that represents one of the most important excellences and expression of timeless artisan traditions. Sustainability and the protection of the marine environment should not be sought through the imposition of further bans on certain fishing activities and gear, but with a direct involvement of all actors through a sharing approach that takes due account of all the needs and priorities of the parties involved. We will do everything we can to ensure that these guidelines remain such and do not result in binding legislation through our continued commitment to the European Parliament, to protect and preserve one of our nation's most important economic sectors.