91996E0359

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0359/96 by Frode Kristoffersen (PPE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Norwegian use of fishery regulations

Two Danish trawlers registered in Esbjerg, Denmark, the E 149 Sonja Grønbjerg and the E 349 Cattleya, were arrested on 1 February 1996 by a Norwegian fisheries protection vessel with reference to the Norwegian Department of Fisheries regulation of 27 December 1995.

Danish fishery organizations were not informed of the Norwegian regulation; is it in line with agreements concluded between Norway and the EU, and is the new 40 mile limit within which herring fishing is banned (between 58.16 and 62 degrees) as from 20 January 1996 in keeping with the EEA agreement? What has the Commission so far done, and what does it intend to do, to ensure that Norway's fishing policy, and its regulations, are in keeping with the agreements in force?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (1 April 1996)

Following the belated transmission to the Commission of a new Norwegian regulation imposing a ban on herring fishing in an area between 62° N and 52°16' N inside 40 nautical miles for the period 20 January to 30 April 1996, the Commission requested formal consultations with Norway on the application of the restriction.

These consultations were held on 2 March 1996. Agreement was reached to improve the means of transmitting, in a timely and accurate way, regulations that apply inside the waters of either party. As to the substantive questions at issue, Norway was in a position to put forward conservation grounds which appeared to be relevant in the given context. Normally, Norway should inform the Community about such an important measure during the annual consultation on the fisheries arrangement in order to allow an exchange of views on its justification.

It should be recalled that under the terms of the fisheries agreement of 1980 between the Community and Norway each is entitled to establish such measures as it deems to be required for conservation purposes within its waters and, in doing so, shall take into account the need not to jeopardize the possibilities for fishing allowed to fishing vessels of the other party.

The Commission is giving close consideration to all matters relating to the fisheries agreement between the Community and Norway. It will continue to react promptly with a view to ensuring that any regulatory measures Norway may adopt within its waters are consistent with the relevant provisions of the fisheries agreement.