LOC10:07
07:07 GMT
RABAT, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- Moroccan authorities called on Spain and the EU to
come up with a solution for hurdles of which Moroccan fishermen are facing due
to the implementation of EU's fishing regulations, Moroccan media said
Thursday.
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Sea Fisheries Aziz
Akhenouch made several phone calls on Wednesday with Spaniard Minster of
Environment, Rural and Marine Environment alongside a number of EU officials
complaining about strict measures imposed on Moroccan fishermen.
These measures were taken on the sidelines of implementing EU's regulations
concerned with countering illegal and unlicensed fishing, he said.
Fishermen undergo prolonged inspections that might take up to 72 hours;
therefore, fishermen end up with spoiled fish as shipments are not to be held
at customs' centers for more than 12 hours, he said.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the ministry said that the law
which was implemented in January stated that all shipments heading towards EU
members were "subject to official certification."
Moroccan fish exports shipped through Spanish harbors estimated at USD 550,
000 per day are in jeopardy as prolonged inspection hours at EU's custom
centers might lead to great losses. (end)
adt.aia
KUNA 141007 Jan 10NNNN