A common EU fisheries policy that lacks an effective oversight regime makes no sense. It is an invitation to abuse, illegality and the destruction of stocks. While public attention has focussed on the dumping of edible fish, a far more important matter is the unwillingness of governments to share information. National databases on catches have been created and trawlers are required to maintain electronic logbooks. But that information remains closely guarded and is not shared between member states and fishery protection agencies.

One of the consequences of this inability of national computers to talk to one another is that agreed EU quotas for endangered fish stocks can be – and are being – breached. Trawlers out of Spain, Portugal and elsewhere record their catches when they return home. But, while away, they may also make "black landings" into ports in other countries. And because national computers do not talk to one another, their actions escape detection or any retribution.

The existence of a common resource has encouraged a free-for-all mentality amongst fishermen and governments. Quotas represented a blunt instrument, with unintended consequences, but they were all that could be agreed by national governments. Now that the European Parliament has secured a role in policy-making, however, a more sustainable approach to fisheries may emerge.

Parliament has already pressurised fishery ministers into phasing out edible fish discards over a number of years. Minister for Fisheries Simon Coveney secured approval for his handling of that issue against strong resistance from Spain, France and Portugal. The regulation of mesh sizes in nets so that undersized fish may escape to breed is, however, a far more pressing matter. So is the destruction of seabed nursery areas by beam trawlers. But until national computers are allowed to talk to one another, EU fishery protection will remain something of a joke.