European Union is all set to tighten its noose around the neck of the illegal fishermen in future. According to the European Commission, currently the illegal fishermen are punished too lightly, so an increase in fine structure is utmost necessary to stop violating European fishing rules in future. There has been a definite increment in the number of cases registered for disobeying fishing rules. Unauthorized fishing, over fishing, and poor quality control are hunting the entire Union. To stop the illegal activities and to have stability and more over a control over the entire situation it is now time to impose higher fine for the said crimes. EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said
Breaching fisheries measures is not an innocuous snub at authority. It really represents a series of repeated blows to the sustainability of the fish stocks and the fisheries concerned
Illegal fishing has been a serious concern all over the world. Due to this malpractice many fish species are on the verge of extinction. In this context the step can prove beneficial to the entire ecosystem. Putting fine for environmental issues is actually a dual effect tactic. From environmental view point, it is expected to reduce illegal fishing and finally help in restoring the eco balance, and from administrative view point, it is a good source of revenue. The question now comes about the intension of the imposing authority. If the fine is imposed from environmental concern, then definitely there will be improvement in the local eco system. But in this case, the second possibility seems to have stronger points.
EU already has one fine policy against illegal fishing system. The fine is simply being increased. The entire thing will bring money to government coffers but the environmental issue will remain in exactly same stage. In spite of the imposed fine, the tendency was pretty clear. The law breakers preferred to pay the fine and continue illegal activities. The authorities could not catch them in every law breaking issue, and they have taken the benefit of this situation. There is not even a feeble possibility about the decrease of illegal fishing. The fine amount will be increased, and the treasury will be the only thing that will be benefited. As far as environment is concerned, the degradation will continue.
