Allister challenges ICES scientists
12 September 2008
In a top level meeting between the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament and ICES (International Council of Exploration of the Sea), which delivers scientific advice to the EU upon which it bases its fish quota decisions, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister challenged the top scientists, Dr Sinnenwine and Mr John Casey, as to why they still support proceeding with TACS and Quotas when in evidence Mr Casey admitted TACS were not working.
Mr Allister pursued the matter robustly with Mr Casey, drawing on the local experience in the Irish Sea, where for 10 years we have had inflicted upon us a Spring Closure under the Cod Recovery Scheme, which patently had not improved cod stocks. "Why", asked Mr Allister, "do you persist with a failed policy when you know that first and foremost it is higher sea temperatures which have reduced cod stocks?"
"Such folly lies at the heart of why fishermen often distrust ICES scientists and their objectivity", warned Mr Allister. "Work with, not against the fishermen, urged the Ulster Euro MP.
Mr Allister also queried why ICES hadn't been more bold in opposing the EU's policy on discards, which was producing the environmental and health scandal of thousands of tons of perfectly good fish being needlessly thrown back into the sea every year. "Help end this", said the MEP "and the stature of ICES would grow."
