Conservation group cries 'scandal' over French plans for fish quotas

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

BRUSSELS (AFP) — Global conservation group WWF described as a "scandal" Sunday suggestions by French President Nicolas Sarkozy that EU fishing quotas be eased, saying the limits must if anything be toughened.

"If Mr Sarkozy's idea is to soften the system to increase fishing opportunities, that's a scandal," Charles Braine, WWF's fisheries specialist, told AFP.

Faced with complaints about quotas and the high price of diesel, Sarkozy told some 300 fishermen Saturday that he would tackle the issue when his country takes over the European Union's rotating presidency in July.

"At the moment, when all the world is saying the resource (fish) is returning, there must be a more flexible response on quotas, whatever the species and locations where they're being...