WRITTEN QUESTION E-3379/00

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(3 November 2000)

Subject: Longline fishing for tuna by EU fishermen

Is the Commission aware that International Bird Life, supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK, is campaigning against longline fishing for tuna since as many as 100 000 albatrosses and kestrels are being killed every year because of this type of fishing?

What action is the Commission proposing to take to ensure that EU fishermen adjust their lines so that the hooks are a few feet below the surface, thus not affecting the amount of tuna caught, but saving the lives of sea birds?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3268/00, E-3378/00 and E-3379/00 given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 2000)

Until now most of the concerns expressed to the Commission have referred to the incidental catches of seabirds in the Southern Hemisphere oceans. The Commission is gathering information on the extent to which this issue constitutes a real problem within Community waters.

As part of this approach, Commission has requested the International council for the exploration of the sea to provide information and advice on the pressures that fishing activity exerts on marine environment and, more particularly, on non-commercial species. Finally the Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-3126/00(1) by Mr Davies.

(1) OJ C 136 E, 8.5.2001, p. 190.