Maria Damanaki, Maritime and Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner, outlined the shape the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform package will take when it is published in mid 2011.

The outline came as part of a speech to the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament on 18 October, presenting the 2011 Commission work programme.

The package will consist of five parts:

1. An overarching Commission Communication, explaining the content of the proposals and highlighting the Commission’s ideas those areas which will not be part of the proposed legal instruments, eg. Plans to improve scientific advice.

2. A Communication on the reformed international dimension of the CFP covering international organisations, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and Fisheries Partnership Agreements.

3. The proposal with the basic framework for the functioning of the CFP.

4. A proposal to reform the market policy, addressing sector organisation and the role of producer organisations, to improve the management of fisheries and aquaculture activities and the marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products. It will include a labelling system.

5. A proposal for a new financial instrument to support the new Integrated Maritime Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and aquaculture.

The reformed CFP will take effect on 1 January 2013.

Maria Damanaki’s speech to the EP Fisheries Committee, 18 October