The Montenegro’s Fisheries Development Strategy and Capacity Building for Implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy is a project implemented in partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro and the European Agency for Reconstruction. Fisheries sector development focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on improving the efficiency in the aquaculture sector. Areas of support to the marine fishery sector comprise the potential development of an offshore nephrops fishery and evaluation of the prospects for a fishery partnership agreement for pelagic species; Weaknesses of the sector have been identified in respect to the application of technology, the high costs of inputs and general lack of competitiveness. The national strategy focuses on the following areas: a) Protection and sustainable use of marine and freshwater fisheries; b) Protection of well being of consumers; c) Promotion of exports; d) Diversification of markets; e) Improvement of traceability and quality of products; f) Expansion of production in the mussel and offshore nephrops fishery; g) Improvement of production efficiency in freshwater and marine aquaculture; h) Development of fisheries partnership agreements in the exploitation of pelagic species. Three national priorities are identified in the fishery sector: Institutional strengthening (staffing, training and equipping) - improving the capacity of domestic fisheries policy of Montenegro; Strengthening of legislation, institutions, laboratory capacity and industry standards to improve the health conditions of fisheries products in compliance with EU requirements; Design and implement delivery mechanisms to provide an enabling investment environment to the fisheries sector. Since November 2005, Montenegro has been negotiating with the European Union on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Introduction and implementation of the European norms and standards will require the development of Montenegro’s administrative capacity to apply EU rules properly. The trade provisions will start to open up markets, and help Montenegro to develop a functioning market economy that has the capacity to cope with competitive pressures within the EU’s internal market. A number of regulatory, policy and institutional changes are required in order to support the implementation of the strategy in Montenegro. In order to safeguard the sustainability of marine and freshwater fisheries, the state is required to amend its specific regulations and thus support the changes to the management and monitoring of catch resources. The core regulations and inspectorate structure are strong enough for implementation of adequate management and conservation rules.
Montenegro · 2006-01-01