91999E2067

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2067/99

by Carmen Fraga Estévez (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 November 1999)

Subject: Compliance with the regulation intended to ban the use of driftnets

In Commissioner Fischler's reply of 8 October 1999 to two earlier questions (P-1937/99 and E-1561/99(1)) from the present author, the purpose of which was to monitor compliance with the plan laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1239/98(2) concerning a ban on the use of driftnets, it is stated that the figures submitted by the Member States concerned indicate that the plan (which stipulates that, in 1998, only 60 % of the fishing vessels authorized for the 1995-1997 reference period will be allowed to operate) is being followed. However, the numbers of vessels which have been authorized to operate using driftnets are (by Member State) 43 French, 18 Irish and 6 UK in 1998 and 41 French, 18 Irish and 6 UK in 1999. Except in the case of Ireland, the number of vessels authorized exceeds 60 % of the number authorized in the reference period.

In view of the above, how can the Commission maintain that the driftnet eradication plan is being complied with when the figures supplied by the Commission itself demonstrate that this is not the case? What action is the Commission intending to take in order to remedy the situation and to ensure that the rules are complied with?

(1) OJ C 170 E, 20.6.2000.

(2) OJ L 171, 17.6.1998, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 November 1999)

Article 11a(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98 of 8 June 1998 amending Regulation (EC) No 894/97 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources(1) stipulates that the maximum number of vessels which may be authorised by a Member State to keep on board, or use for fishing, one or more drift-nets must not exceed 60 % of the fishing vessels which used one or more drift-nets during the period 1995 to 1997.

The lists of names of the vessels authorised in 1998 and 1999, which were forwarded to the Commission, were checked against the information concerning all the vessels which used one or more drift-nets, if only for one trip, in each year of the period mentioned. This check showed that the provision referred to above has been complied with. Accordingly, and on the basis of all the information which the Commission possesses, it does not have any grounds for drawing contrary conclusions.

Following the checks carried out under Article 29 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 of 12 October 1993 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy(2), and on the basis of all the information to be provided by the Member States concerned, the Commission is currently drawing up a report on the application of the Community legislation concerning the use of drift-nets in the North-East Atlantic and the Mediterranean, which will be forwarded to the members of Parliament's Committee on Fisheries as soon as it is finalised.

(1) OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.

(2) OJ L 261, 20.10.1993.