92001E1648

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1648/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Support for fishermen and shipowners during periods of biological rest or inability to fish due to bad weather

In Portugal, where small-scale coastal fishing plays an extremely important role for fishing communities which largely depend on it, fishing trips are sometimes made impossible for various reasons. Fishermen and owners (of small coastal fishing vessels) do not receive any financial aid during such periods, making it difficult for these fishing communities to survive.

Storms and poor sea conditions are of particular significance during long periods in the winter, together with biological rest periods to protect stocks, particularly as regards sardines in the north and fishing for bivalves using dredges in the Algarve.

Even though this year, by way of exception, fishermen have been granted the right to some degree of support as regards biological rest periods, the problem will arise again in the future.

The Commission:

1. Is it aware of the above circumstances and the socio-economic difficulties which they cause for fishermen and small shipowners?

2. What measures will it take to provide financial support for such fishermen and shipowners where they are obliged to suspend fishing activities, either due to storms or during periods of biological rest to protect stocks?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2001)

The Commission is aware of the circumstances referred to by the Honourable Member. Rules in fact exist under which Member States may provide assistance for shipowners and fishermen affected by the temporary cessation of fishing activities as a result of unforeseeable events or plans to re-establish stocks that are under threat.

Article 16(1)(a) and (c) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 laying down the detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector(1) provides for the following measures and for the period they are to apply:

The Member States may grant compensation to fishermen and owners of vessels for the temporary cessation of activities in the following circumstances:

(a) in the event of unforeseeable circumstances, particularly those caused by biological factors; the granting of compensation may last for no more than two months per year or six months over the entire period from 2000 to 2006. The management authority shall forward suitable scientific proof to the Commission in advance;

(b)

(c) where a plan is introduced for the recovery of a resource threatened with exhaustion, decided by the Commission or by one or some Member States; the granting of compensation may last for no more than two years and may be extended by a further year.

Measures as indicated above may be implemented in the context of the relevant structural programmes, once a decision has been taken by the management authority of the Member State concerned.

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999.