(2004/C 33 E/108)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1359/03

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(10 April 2003)

Subject:   Gran Sol fleet provisional rest period

The Galician fleet fishing in the Gran Sol grounds has planned a biological rest period from 1 July onwards. In order that this biological rest period can go ahead with all the necessary guarantees in place for the fleet involved, the relevant authorisation must be published in good time in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ).

Can the Commission give details of the steps it intends to take or has already taken to ensure that the fleet involved can carry out this biological rest period and the relevant authorisation can be published in the OJ in good time?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 May 2003)

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it received a communication from the Spanish authorities on this matter on 20 March 2003.

The proposed measure, including the reasons behind its adoption, must be assessed, in particular from a biological point of view.

The Commission is currently examining whether the initiative is compatible with the relevant provisions of the Community legislation applicable in this area (1) (Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2369/2002).

(1)  Council Regulation (EC) No 2369/2002 of 20 December 2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 laying down the detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector, OJ L 358, 31.12.2002.