European Parliament votes to end pulse fishing

Many European media outlets report on yesterday’s vote at the European Parliament regarding the ban on electric pulse fishing. MEPs voted by 402 votes to 232 in favour of the ban, a surprisingly overwhelming majority, even for pulse fishing opponents. The short mobilisation, mostly from French NGOs and MEPs such as Yannick Jadot (Greens/EFA), managed to overturn the Parliament, whose fisheries committee voted against a ban on pulse fishing in November. MEP Alain Cadec (EPP) was thrilled about the ban, recalling that electric pulse fishing is banned in almost the entire world because it poses a hazard to the marine ecosystem.

Yet, Commissioner Vella defended the new technique, saying its appropriate use offers a more environmental-friendly method and leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Dutch MEPs held a press conference to denounce an “incomprehensible” decision based on “fake news”. Liberal MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy said the Netherlands now have to “work in the Council to save what can be saved”. Indeed, the vote will give way to technical discussions between the Parliament and Council of Ministers, which should be underway soon. This “pro-environment victory” should not overshadow the many amendments, also adopted yesterday, which may result in “lesser protection of marine environments”.

According to De Telegraaf, the French campaign to protect France’s own fishermen who still use the old-fashioned technique was the main reason the European Parliament voted for a ban. This proves that it is difficult for small European Member States to win against large ones like France. The negotiations with the Member States and the European Commission, a supporter of electric pulse fishing, could still make a difference, but it is difficult to reach a compromise now that the European Parliament has taken such a clear position.