The disastrous CFP has failed in its twin objectives of maintaining fish stocks and maintaining jobs in the industry. Since the CFP was introduced and Brussels bureaucrats began micro-managing fishing policy, tens of thousands of jobs have been lost in the sector and fish stocks are in a state of collapse. Scientists have confirmed that there are currently no fewer than 16 separate major fish stocks under threat of total collapse in EU waters. This is stark testimony to the utter failure of the CFP.

'Having said that, there is no doubt that the Commission are correct in their prognosis. Current stock levels are dangerously low and there are far too many vessels in the EU fleet. There is no doubt that savage cuts in the size of the EU fleet are now necessary. However, the UK whitefish fleet has already seen its capacity reduced by 60 per cent in the past five years. We've cut our fleet to the bare bones. We've done our bit. Now it is the turn of the other fishing nations who stood back and watched while we suffered.'

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