European parliament votes to end electric pulse fishing

Campaigners hail movement towards prohibiting the controversial practice but warn other measures will leave European waters in a worse state

The European Union's parliament has voted to prohibit the controversial practice of electrical pulse fishing within EU waters, to the approval of some groups of small-scale fishermen and green campaigners.

However, a series of other measures designed to prevent overfishing and preserve the marine environment were voted down. Campaigners say the rejection will have a damaging effect on Europe's fisheries for many years.