Dear Minister, I am writing to urge you as Minister responsible for fisheries to support the European Commission's proposed Council Regulation establishing a Community system to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With over 75% of global fisheries fully exploited, over-exploited, depleted or recovering from depletion, the fight against illegal fishing is more crucial than ever. The ratification and rapid implementation of the Commission's comprehensive regulation is vitally needed to eradicate IUU or pirate fishing, both here in European waters and also in coastal developing countries that are being robbed of a vital source of food, employment and income. Investigations by organisations such as the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) show that IUU fishing is rampant off the coast of West Africa, where countries cannot afford to patrol their own coastal waters. EJF's findings clearly demonstrate the negative impact of pirate fishing on coastal communities and the marine environment that they depend upon for their livelihoods and food security. EJF investigations also expose the role of the European Union as a market for illegally-caught fish. In particular, the Spanish port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria appears to serve as an entry-point into the EU for stolen fish. EJF has revealed a clear link between IUU fishing in Africa and British consumers, as well as potential health impacts for European consumers from the extremely unsanitary conditions aboard pirate vessels, despite many of them having approval from the European Commission for their hygiene standards. As a European consumer I find EJF's findings deeply concerning. The awful implications for local communities and the marine environment they depend upon, as well as the potential health risk for myself and others in Europe must be addressed. I commend the European Commission's recent Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Community position on IUU fishing, and strongly urge you as the fisheries representative of your country do all you can to ensure its full adoption and implementation by the Member States - making certain that I as a member of the European public can be assured that the fish I buy is both safe and sustainable. Yours sincerely,