Parliament's report on common rules with a view to the application of the external dimension of the common fisheries policy (CFP), including fisheries agreements, is crucial.
How EU fleets operate in international waters and how we expect third countries to act in relation to them are key issues. It's also important to determine what the proper use of marine resources is, as is respecting ecological boundaries.
EU fishing activities should always be based on the best scientific knowledge available. If we lack sufficient knowledge on a topic, then we should act under the precautionary principle.
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Over the years, EU fisheries partnership agreements have followed the same model, which has been consistently improving. However, good standards are not reflected equally across different agreements.
For the sake of coherence and equitability, certain standards should be homogenised - human rights and the protection of workers on board, for example, should be the same everywhere regardless of nationality. Also, any financial value involved, as well as its expected destination, should be made clear.
In addition, any target, sensitive or rare species and methods used to mitigate their capture and minimise disturbance should be clearly listed. To ensure total compliance, fisheries partnerships agreements should always include provisions to monitor activity at environmental, social and economic levels.
European vessels are required to comply with a wide range of standards when fishing in European waters. Obviously, these standards should also generally be respected when fishing abroad. This is why European fishing boats are under intense scrutiny.
However, these rules should apply to all international fleets operating in the same waters to avoid unfair competition.
To summarise, the protection of workers' rights, fair use of financial resources, environmental protection and healthy competition are essential. They should always feature in fisheries partnership agreements. This is why we must act within the framework of regional fisheries councils and other international organisations.
European and other countries' efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing are starting to bear fruit. However, we must extend the fight against IUU fishing to all non-complying countries.
Systems must be put in place to block the use of flags of convenience and commercial and legal subterfuges allowing vessels to circumvent fisheries partnership agreements and international conventions.
The network is complex - it starts with the fisherman or producer and ends with the consumer - and we need to connect the dots. People must be informed on the origin and quality of fish products. This way, they can influence and contribute to strengthening respect for workers' rights and other objectives of the new CFP.
Environmental certificates aimed at helping consumers make an informed choice are now the norm, but this does not apply to the remaining pillars of sustainable development.
This issue is linked to this report's external dimension in two ways. First, we need to provide consumers with the tools to make a more informed choice. Second, we have to pressure third countries intending to export to our markets to display good behaviour.
The new CFP is the most advanced political tool for fisheries management. It presents a fresh vision, with an approach based on ecosystems. There are good opportunities to be seized from the spread of its objectives at global scale.