51996IP0138

B4-0138/96

Resolution on the cormorant problem in European fisheries

The European Parliament,

A. whereas there has been a twentyfold increase in cormorant numbers in recent years,

B. whereas, in particular, there has been a very significant increase in cormorants in Denmark and Northern Germany, inland areas such as the Rhone and Po valleys and in areas where, in the past, they were rarely seen, such as Bavaria and Austria,

C. whereas predation by cormorants can have a devastating effect on inland and coastal fisheries,

D. whereas the interests of fishermen are best served by a rational and effective programme of management which seeks to maintain fish stocks at abundant levels, capable of supporting fisheries on a sustainable basis,

E. whereas the use of derogations under Article 9 of Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.)) does not answer the need to manage cormorant species at Europe-wide level,

F. whereas some Member States have already called for international action in the context of the Bonn Convention,

The European Parliament,

1. Considers it appropriate to take special temporary measures, by means of scientific projects approved by the Commission, aimed at:

(a) reestablishing environmental balance in the areas where an abnormal increase in the number of cormorants is ascertained,

(b) preventive action to restrict the reproduction of cormorants,

(c) the analysis and development of other non-violent ways of reducing the environmental impact of excessive numbers of cormorants,

(d) and, above all, catching cormorants in areas where their presence is proven to be a nuisance and, in view of studies carried out by scientific authorities, the temporary exclusion of cormorants (Phalacrocorax sinensis) from Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC;

2. Calls on the Council to take effective action to restore depleted fish stocks and ensure that the common fisheries policy maintains fish at levels which can support both human fisheries and natural predators;

3. Urges the Commission and the Council to investigate non-lethal alternatives which will constrain the impact of cormorants (as required in Article 9(1) of the Directive);

4. Calls upon the Commission to develop a programme for the conservation of wetlands in the European Union;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.