British MEP blasts EU for allowing Dutch fishermen to use 'GROTESQUE' fishing method in UK
THE EUROPEAN UNION has "given in" to demands from Dutch fishermen asking to use damaging fishing methods reportedly affecting British fish, British MEP Mike Hookem said.
The European Union is set to relax rules banning electro-pulse fishing after an alleged pressure campaign from Dutch fishermen.
Mr Hookem blasted the European Commission – the executive branch of the EU – for "ignoring scientific warnings simply to chase profit".
He said: "It would seem in this case that the EU Commission has ignored its own scientific advice in order to grant a licence simply to chase profit – which is, in my opinion, typical of these unelected bureaucrats.
GETTY•YOUTUBE/MIKE HOOKEM
"By doing so, the EU Commission has given in to the demands of the powerful Dutch fisheries lobby, rather than discharging their duties in the interests of what is right for all European fishers."
Mr Hookem, who serves as Ukip's fisheries spokesman, has been campaigning against the "grotesque and highly destructive" electro-pulse fishing method and has called on the UK to leave the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to regain control of British waters after Brexit.
Electro-pulse fishing is a catching technique which uses pulse trawl gear to create an electric field above the seabed to catch fish.
The method was banned within the European Union in 1998 but since 2007 Brussels has allowed "experimental" exemptions at the request of The Netherlands.
It would seem in this case that the EU Commission has ignored its own scientific advice in order to grant a licence simply to chase profit
Mr Hookem told Express.co.uk: "While the Dutch are keen to promote electro-pulse fishing as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional beam fishing, nothing could be further from the truth.
"More and more evidence is coming to light showing how the electric used is snapping the spines of mature codfish. Evidence also points to electro-pulse killing vertebrates and invertebrate species; eradicating most life on the seabed."
The Ukip politician said British fishermen had reported damage to fish stocks – with traditional catch being "wiped out" by Dutch boats.
He added: "It is not just British fishers who are reporting damage to both fish and fishing grounds! French, Belgium, and even non-electro-pulse Dutch fishers are all saying the same thing.
"Let’s not forget that fishing with electricity is illegal in the EU. Therefore, if MEPs are serious about protecting the marine environment and conserving fish stocks, they will vote for a ban on this most destructive practice.”
