AIPCE-CEP opinion paper on discards
Discards are those parts of the catch that are returned to the sea. The discarding of fish species is a wasteful practice that should be avoided as much as possible. Reducing the impact of discarding endorses the objective of minimising waste of the fishery resource and reducing pressure upon vulnerable fish stocks while maintaining an economically viable fishing industry based on fisheries that are managed sustainably. In light of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, AIPCE-CEP share the Commission’s vision in its fight to reduce discards and there is an urgent need to implement measures to reduce the level of discarding wherever possible.