92001E1587

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1587/01

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(1 June 2001)

Subject: Ban on drift nets

On 8 June 1998 the Council decided to ban the use of drift nets, establishing a moratorium of four years, during which time there should be a gradual reduction in the number of boats using these nets, so that they are phased out completely by December 2001. However, the tuna fleet, which uses nets compatible with preserving fish resources and long since abandoned the use of drift nets, is concerned at certain moves to prevent the forthcoming total abolition of these nets.

Can the Commission confirm that the Council decision will be implemented?

Can it guarantee that the obligation to phase out the nets is being complied with? If not, why are they not being phased out during the moratorium? What reasons can the Commission see for France, Great Britain, Italy and Ireland not to comply with this obligation? What steps has it taken to force these countries to comply?

Can the Commission give the European Parliament the list of boats which still use these nets? Since the sector concerned claims that the list sent to the Commission by the Member States at the beginning of the moratorium was falsified, does it believe that the list it now has is correct?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2001)

The Commission is firmly committed to enforcing Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98 of 8 June 1998 amending Regulation (EC) No 894/97 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources(1).

It has already provided the Parliament, in 2000 and after its specific request, with a report on enforcement in 1998 and 1999 of Community legislation on the use of driftnets targeting highly migratory species. The report contain the elements showing that Member States are complying with Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98.

Within that report, the Honourable Member will find the figures of fishing boats using driftnets.

The report referring to year 2000 will shortly be completed.

(1) OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.