At a meeting that was attended by Maltese MEP David Casa, the committee discussed an action plan to help fishermen buy more modern equipment to make their job easier and more environmentally friendly.

Dutch Fisheries Minister Cees Veerman was also present at the meeting and he said the role of the committee will be more extensive than ever before.

All EU countries should have a common fishing policy that is implemented and consolidated. There must be a coordinated effort to strike a balance between the ecological impact of fishing and making the trade sustainable, said the Dutch minister.

Species of fish that are endangered should be protected while the interests of those who make their living from fishing should be looked out for, he said.

The minister also addressed the problem of fishing in non-EU

countries. In Russia, dolphins are still being killed and he said he will be doing his utmost to make sure this type of fishing is restricted.