Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Aleksandar Joksimovic of the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor said that fisheries may be the most concrete example of joint action within the European Union, adding that centuries-old fishing practices have been recognized during the negotiations.

“Nothing is as common in the European Union as fisheries, which is why it is called the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Fish resources are not only Montenegrin – they do not carry passports – so at one moment they swim in Croatia, then in Albania, then in Montenegro,” Joksimovic stated.

The management of fish stocks, fishing fleets, and the fish market is regulated by the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy. 

The CFP has several key objectives: protecting fish stocks, ensuring smart and sustainable management of fleets and resources, and strengthening international cooperation through data exchange and agreements on marine and fish species protection.

Through European funds, the CFP also provides support to fishermen – from fleet and equipment modernization to assistance mechanisms in crisis situations.

“When we join the family of European countries, our national laws will no longer be decisive. We will adopt the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, which precisely defines the rules and everything we are required to do,” Joksimovic said.

During the negotiations, particular attention was given to preserving traditional fishing. 

Joksimovic specified that Montenegro has obtained three derogations, or temporary exemptions from the full application of the CFP, in order to protect centuries-old fishing practices.