RSPB anger at 'scandalous' EU challenge of ban on sandeel fishing in British waters

 

Its beak can hold almost as much as its belly can - puffin with bill full of nutritious sandeel provender (photo: RSPB)

THE RSPB has reacted angrily to the EU's decision to challenge the British Government's imposition of a ban on sandeel fishing in all Scottish waters plus those off the Yorkshire and Northumberland coasts.

It fears that, if the ban is lifted, there will be a continued decline in numbers, with knock-of effects for many seabirds.

Says the charity's director of conservation, Katie-jo Luxton: "The EU's move  flies in the face of its commitment to protect and restore marine ecosystems. 

"It is a scandalous attempt to reverse a hard-won victory for under-pressure seabirds such as Puffins and Kittiwakes as well as the many other marine species whose diets depend on sandeels."

When the British fisheries were closed in March this year, there was widespread jubilation among conservation organisations.

But there was dismay for those Danish  fishermen who depend on sandeel catches for their livelihood - hence the decision by the EU to trigger what is termed an "arbitration process" .

It maintains that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea allows for harvesting sandeel stocks at levels that permit them to "maintain a healthy population".

Since April, there have been consultations between the two sides but evidently without reaching mutual agreement.