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nef:Will MEPs make the right decision?

On October 23 MEPs face an important decision on the future of EU fisheries. They'll be voting on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) – the money used to implement the Common Fisheries Policy –  to agree a funding framework for 2014-2020.

This will have a huge impact on the management of EU fisheries, one of our most vital natural resources. It might come as a surprise to you that we actually know nothing about more than half of Europe's stocks - over 50% have never been properly assessed. 

The less we know about our waters, the harder it is to protect them from overfishing. So why is current EU spending on data collection, control and enforcement measures just 1% of the total potential value of EU catches?

Our new briefing paper out today makes the case for more of the EU's massive fisheries budget to be directed towards these crucial measures – measures that support sustainable fishing. 

Data collection provides the necessary information for appropriate catch allowances to be set, while control and enforcement measures ensure that these catch allowances are observed. The potential returns from these measures are massive, with the cost of overfishing currently estimated at €3.2 billion.

Back in July we highlighted how an amendment to the EMFF to provide funds for new vessel construction would undermine progress made on sustainable fishing by contributing to overcapacity (to the tune of a potential €236 million).

MEPs now face a choice between measures that contribute to overcapacity or measures that support sustainable fisheries. The choice is in their hands, but we can make our voices heard.

Go to VoteFish.org to tell MEPs your choice between more boats or more fish. You can also help by sharing one of our two graphics (here and here) or briefing, all of which are available in seven different languages.

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