On the occasion of the European Maritime Day, which is celebrated this Wednesday, Member of European Parliament Ricardo Serrão Santos published a piece on his website www.ricardoserraosantos.eu, calling out for a better use of the oceans, based on sound knowledge and respect for environmental boundaries and community values. Serrão Santos also appealed to a use that generates employment and strengthens the economy without jeopardizing environmental and ecosystems sustainability.
In the same article, the Portuguese MEP, who is a member of the Fisheries Committee in the European Parliament, recalled a few decisions made during the 19th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, which took place between April 27 and April 1st in South Korea. The Session resulted in a decision to ban the use of underwater lighting in fish aggregating devices, as well as in a decision to limit the number of fish aggregating devices used per vessel.
“Overall, I welcome any measures limiting the effectiveness and use of devices whose impact has not yet been thoroughly assessed and that are designed to increase fishing effort and fish mortality. We currently know that fish aggregating devices facilitate the capture of different species, including tuna, allowing for greater fishing efficiency and, consequently, a lower environmental impact of search and fishing effort”, says Serrão Santos.
“However”, he adds, “these devices aggregate fish of specific age groups which may cause ecological disturbances and inhibit the circulation of fish and even disrupt migratory patterns. Therefore, the massive use of fish aggregating devices may prevent tuna from approaching coastal waters, where they are traditional fished by many local communities”, the MEP emphasizes.
To Serrão Santos, “550 devices being used simultaneously in each vessel, as was the limit decided upon in South Korea, is still too high and not scientifically founded. For this reason, I urge for a speedy revision of this number until its environmental impact is defined”.
Gabinete do deputado Ricardo Serrão Santos
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