51999AC0557

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the "Proposal for a Council Regulation amending for the third time Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine"

(1999/C 209/08)

On 28 April 1999 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Eduardo Chagas as rapporteur-general with the task of preparing the Committee's work on the subject.

At its 364th plenary session held on 26 and 27 May 1999 (meeting of 26 May) the Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted the following opinion.

1. Introduction

1.1. With Regulation (EC) 850/98(1) the Council adopted technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms.

1.2. After the regulation had been adopted and published it was realized that it had not taken account of a number of elements to which the Commission had drawn attention.

1.3. This proposal adjusts Regulation 850/98 in those respects.

2. General comments

2.1. The ESC approves the proposed regulation.

2.2. This proposal is designed to remedy certain shortcomings in Regulation 850/98 and take account of a number of developments not considered therein.

2.3. This is part of a normal process of technical adaptation in which the best possible balance has to be struck between ideal technical measures and the realities of the fishing industry.

Brussels, 26 May 1999.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Beatrice RANGONI MACHIAVELLI

(1) OJ L 125, 27.4.1998.