EU fish stocks at risk of collapse, warns leading scientist
European fisheries are at risk of widespread collapse if responsibility for setting catch sizes is not given over to an independent body, a leading marine scientist said today.The warning follows research that reveals EU ministers have consistently ignored scientific advice on catch limits, and agreed quotas up to 140% higher than sustainable levels.The systematic mismanagement of fisheries was akin to a "doctor assisting the suicide of a patient", that ultimately "condemns the fishing industry to extinction," said Callum Roberts, professor of marine conservation at York University.The bleak assessment of the health of Europe's fisheries comes as EU ministers prepare to agree new quotas later this week.In the 1970s, three quarters of Europe's fisheries were in a healthy or slightly at risk state, but today more than half are in danger. Despite scientific advice, which in some cases, such as cod, has called for complete regional bans on fishing, ministers continue...
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