91998E0467

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0467/98 by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission (27 February 1998)

Subject: Definition of time at sea under the MAGP IV

Can the Commission provide details of those Member States which intend to achieve effort targets under the MAGP IV by a reduction in activity (i.e. number of days at sea) and indicate whether the definitions of time at sea in each case correspond with those laid down in the multiannual guidance programmes?

Does the Commission appreciate that such definitions must be common to allow a proper assessment of fishing effort under the MAGP?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (2 April 1998)

The Member States that have indicated their intention to use activity reductions during the period of the multiannual guidance programme (MAGP) IV are Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

For the MAGPs, the activity of a vessel is measured in the number of days spent at sea, as defined in Commission Regulation (EC) No 109/94 ((OJ L 19, 22.1.1994. )) concerning the fishing vessel register of the Community.

This definition applies for all Member States. Over the period of the MAGP IV the Commission will verify for all Member States that the way in which activity is defined and measured is in accordance with Community legislation.