91999E1886

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1886/99

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 October 1999)

Subject: Commercial fishing problems

Overfishing and the need to preserve dwindling fish stocks are matters of great concern to the European Union.

Virtually no concern is expressed about the welfare of fish being caught and, in particular, the method by which they are killed. Scientific studies in both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have shown that fish possess the physiological, anatomical and biochemical structures which, in mammals, are identified with pain sensitivity.

What steps has the Commission take to review the killing methods used in commercial fishing in the light of this scientific evidence and when will it be making proposals to minimise the suffering which is certainly being caused?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 1999)

Processes involved in fishing are rather different from those applied to domestic animals bred for food. While the latter need specific slaughtering methods, and these are well covered by legislation, fishing generally involves the direct killing of fish without any resort to specific slaughtering methods.

It is generally accepted, therefore, that there is very little room for cruelty against fish during the fishing process.

The Commission is unaware of any behaviour of fishermen leading to unnecessary suffering of fish and therefore has not taken any initiative in this area.