Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy ()

(96/C 18/18)

On 7 July 1995, 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 Strauss as Rapporteur-General with the task of preparing its work on the subject.

At its 329th Plenary Session (meeting of 25 October 1995), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion with no dissenting votes and one abstention.

1. The Committee supports the proposal which provides for the monitoring and enforcement of those fishing activities in the biologically sensitive areas of Western waters which are subject to effort limitation. The proposals should enable fishing effort in these waters to be controlled evenly.

2. Fishery resources in Western waters are under great pressure. It is therefore imperative to protect these resources and rigorously control their exploitation. Conservation rules must be applied effectively and evenly. The effectiveness of controls will in large measure depend on fishermen being convinced that the necessarily restrictive measures are applied uniformly by all Member States. It is also necessary to convey to fishermen that the long term viability of their industry will depend on observance of the conservation rules.

3. Fishery control therefore necessitates greater Union involvement. This is not reflected in these proposals, which leave it to the national authorities to decide what action should be taken to prevent fishing efforts from being breached. Instead of merely requiring governments to adopt appropriate measures to ensure the effectiveness of conservation policy, a more effective EU framework of conservation rules which all fishermen have to respect would encourage greater compliance.

4. In its Opinion in 1994 (), the Committee also emphasized that adequate control requires that the inspection services have sufficient resources. This is still not the case.

5. The Committee recognizes that the proposals are complementary with the possible introduction of satellite surveillance which might prove to be a more effective means of control than the bureaucratically more complex means now envisaged by the Commission.

6. In some Member States, the additional burden falling on masters arising from the real time reporting requirements are giving rise for concern. In particular it is questionable whether in some Member States the radio telephone system can cope with the extra calls that will be generated. Unless the system allows for communications without delay there must be doubt whether masters will be able to comply with the reporting requirements. The Committee believes that vessel owners should be reimbursed for the considerable number of expensive calls that will have to be made, particularly since smaller vessels have to return to port frequently and will therefore have to make most calls.

7. Under the proposals, vessels fishing in Western waters, and which on the same trip also fish in other areas, may carry gear corresponding to that fishery provided it is securely stowed and cannot readily be used. The Committee believes this provision is the only practical at present, but it will be important for the inspectorate services to ensure that the regulation governing the use of gear is observed rigorously.

Done at Brussels, 25 October 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 188, 22. 7. 1995, p. 8.

() OJ No C 397, 31. 12. 1994, p. 19.