The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, and the delegated head of the Sea and Fisheries of France, Catherine Chabud, have signed this week a joint declaration in which they commit to promoting the sustainable economic development of fishing and aquaculture, also emphasizing their essential role in food and nutritional security as a source of high-quality protein.
This document, which highlights the need for the protection of the marine environment and fishing economic activity to advance in a coordinated manner, has been signed within the framework of the State visit to Spain by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
Spain and France agree that it is essential for the fishing sector to have "specific, sufficient, and stable" European funding and on the advisability of promoting a review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) that effectively responds to the current and future challenges of the activity.
The Hispano-French collaboration in fishing matters is supported by a long history of cooperation, based on decades of dialogue and shared management of marine resources. In this context, both States reaffirm the relevance they attach to the Ocean Pact, especially due to the strategic role of sustainable fishing and aquaculture in ensuring a balance between the conservation of fishery resources based on the best available scientific knowledge, the protection of marine habitats, the economic viability of companies, and the social sustainability of coastal communities.
Regarding the review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), they believe it must provide an adequate response to the challenges of the sector. As for generational change and the incorporation of young people and women, this involves improving working and safety conditions on board, for which it is seen as "necessary" to support the modernization and renewal of the fleet, while promoting training and professional development.
The declaration also emphasizes the importance of strengthening the recognition of the key role of the European external fleet in the international governance of the oceans, enhancing international cooperation in fishing matters and consolidating the network of Sustainable Fishing Collaboration Agreements with third countries.