91997E4001

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4001/97 by Rijk van Dam (I-EDN) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Eel fisheries in Europe

A group of researchers (EC Concerted Action AIR A94-1939) recently described the size and condition of eel stocks in Europe. In their final report they conclude that the situation in Europe with regard to eels is grave. One reason for this is that the migration of elvers from the sea is declining sharply. The researchers also point out that elver fishing takes up 97% of all young eels as soon as they have reached European waters, mostly for sale to China.

1. Does the Commission share the view that the situation in Europe with regard to eels gives cause for concern?

2. Does it agree that the international character of the problem calls for coordinated measures at European level?

3. Does it share the opinion that the large scale removal of elvers to third countries is a threat to eel stocks in Europe?

4. If so, is it willing in the near future to restrict the sale of elvers to third countries and to encourage the placing of elvers in European waters?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-3994/97 and E-4001/97 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1998)

The Commission is aware of the valuable and growing contribution of the eel cultivation sector to European aquaculture and of the importance of the eel fisheries in Member States. The dependence on supplies of juvenile eels caught in the wild will remain for so long as it continues to be impossible to complete the life cycle of this species in captivity. Juvenile eel is also used for stocking purposes and is important for the commercial fisheries.

Glass eels are caught as they migrate up rivers on the final leg of their migration from the Sargasso Sea. The competence of managing glass eel fisheries has up to now lain primarily with Member States and a range of national control measures exist, depending on the traditional patterns of exploitation and use. Five Member States ban commercial fishing for glass eels and elvers, while a regional ban exists in a sixth Member State. In the southern Member States where there is a tradition of consuming smaller eels, glass eel fishing is permitted but controls are applied to fishing gear, open season or fishing and dealing licences.

A recently completed report on management of the European eel (concerted action of the agricultural and agro-industry research programme (AIR) A94-1939) has shown that returns of glass eels have fallen. This is a matter of concern and the Commission in September 1997 requested the International Council for the exploration of the sea (ICES) to provide advice on possible management actions to ensure a sustainable development of the eel fisheries within the Community. This advice should be provided in 1998 and any possible proposal on management measures, including restocking, will be deferred until then.

The Commission will, on the basis of the analyses mentioned above and any other assessment data necessary, take any action it deems appropriate to restrict exports of elvers from the Community. World Trade Organisation rules would have to be respected.