92001E1800

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1800/01

by Bernard Poignant (PSE) to the Commission

(19 June 2001)

Subject: Scientific studies into the unintentional catching of marine mammals

Every year, the general public becomes incensed when it sees dolphins stranded on European beaches. Most times, if not every time, their demise is caused by the use of pelagic trawls.

Figures abound: some people speak of thousands of dolphins stranded every year, 80 % of which present injuries caused by pelagic trawls.

Have any scientific studies been drawn up which would confirm those figures? If not, does the Commission intend to commission such studies and finance them?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2001)

The Commission is well aware of the problem of incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries activities. Indeed, the Commission has financially supported several research projects and studies, tackling the issue of interaction among marine mammals (mainly cetaceans) and fishing activities, which led to illumination of the perceived problems.

Nonetheless, the Commission is unable to find any authoritative text which indicates that 80 % of stranded dolphins have been caused by pelagic trawl. If, however, such a reference exists the Commission would be grateful to be made aware of it.

The Commission is always open to support scientific investigation that could further enlighten the matter. In particular, research proposals on cetaceans, provided that the science is good, could be eligible within the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Programme, key action 5 Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Integrated Development of Rural Areas including Mountain Areas, of the Fifth framework programme for Research and Technological Development of the Community (http://www.cordis.lu/life/). The deadline for last call for proposals is 18 October 2001.

Research proposals in relation to marine biodiversity loss, including cetaceans, could also be considered within the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme, key action 3 Sustainable Maríne Ecosystems as well as within the Infrastructure action line of the same Programme (Environment and Sustainable development)(http://www.cordis.lu/fp5/src/calls.htm).