The European Union (EU) recently set annual catch quotas to try to maintain biodiversity and protect fish species from depletion. These quotas would help achieve those goals — if they were actually being observed.
According to a new report from the New Economics Foundation, several EU countries are continually ignoring these quotas and allowing fishing fleets to catch limits that far exceed scientific recommendations.
While governments and corporations ignore the rules, wildlife pay the price. According to a study by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Europe's fish are in serious decline. The study found that more than 90 species of marine fish are threatened with extinction, mainly from overfishing. Sharks and rays are at greatest risk, with about 40% facing extinction.
If those stats sound scary consider this: scientists lack enough information to properly assess 20% of the fish species in European waters. The situation could be even worse than we know.
It's up to citizens like us to hold the EU accountable for implementing these limits. Many people and organizations campaigned for years to establish these quotas. If they are observed, it will not only help sea life flourish, it will maintain a sustainable fishing industry that will benefit wildlife, consumers, and the EU economy.
Please make your voice heard: Tell the EU to protect marine life and strictly enforce fishing quotas for every member country.
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to insist the European Union hold member countries accountable for fishing quotas established by the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
These quotas are based on scientific recommendations to maintain a sustainable fishing industry, which would benefit wildlife, consumers, and the EU economy.
I ask that you:
- Set fishing limits according to scientific advice for the maximum yield allowed while still promoting ecological sustainability;
- Monitor each country's adherence to the quota;
- Enforce penalties for countries that allow overfishing.
[Your comments here]
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
