Friday, June 21, 2013

21/06/13: EU introduces new fish labelling rules; abalone trafficking ring dismantled; Scottish Fishermen's Federation short-listed for green business award

The European Union has agreed plans for new labelling rules for fish and seafood. The deal will lead to stronger and more competitive producer organisations and that improves labelling of fisheries products to better inform consumers. The regulation for a Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fishery and aquaculture products is a crucial part of the Common Fisheries Policy.
"This was a prime example of how the co-decision process, and a willingness by all sides to find sensible solutions, can result in an excellent deal which promises a good future for the fisheries and aquaculture sector", said Struan Stevenson (ECR, UK), rapporteur for the CMO regulation.

The state government of South Australia has dismantled the largest abalone trafficking ring in its history after a seventh person was convicted in the trafficking of 480 kilograms of abalone.

Minister for Fisheries Gail Gago said the investigation into the trafficking syndicate detected in 2010 resulted in three arrests, seven people convicted with fines totalling AU$28,952, suspended jail sentences for three offenders and a total of 360 hours community service handed down.

Trafficking of abalone is considered one of the most serious offences under the Fisheries Management Act 2007, and carries a penalty of up to $100,000 and four years imprisonment.

The commercial division of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation has been short-listed in the Green Business of the Year category at the 2013 Scottish Business Awards.

SFF Services provides a variety of vessel and support services for the offshore marine sector, particularly the oil and gas industries. Its well-respected marine mammal observation, passive acoustic monitoring and environmental work, combined with sustainability initiatives overseen by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust, has ensured a place on the short-list for this prestigious award.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: “It is a fantastic achievement for SFF Services to make the short-list, which underlines the commitment of the fishing industry in helping to protect the marine environment.

English: Blacklip abalone ( Haliotis rubra ), ...
English: Blacklip abalone ( Haliotis rubra ), still alive, harvested from the south coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Scale: shell length = 12.3 cm. Due to over-harvesting, abalone are subject to a strict bag limit of two in NSW (with a fishing licence), and may only be taken if over 11.7 cm. Français : Ormeaux (Haliotis rubra) (Hauteur = 12.3 cm) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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