The Commission recently signalled approval for a draft maritime strategy for theAdriaticand Ionian seas, one of the four pillars which intend to promote sustainable fishing. The S&D Group believes that this should also be a basis for introducing a regional EU strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian area and that the measures relating to the fisheries and aquaculture sector should take account of the sea basin’s specific features, including its relatively shallow, sandy seabed and its lagoons, islands and coastal areas.
The S&D Group calls on the Commission to adopt the action plan and a regulation dealing with the management of fishing activities in this region at the earliest opportunity. The Group’s position was also endorsed by the fisheries committee, with a large majority.