COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 28.10.1996 
COM(96) 527 final 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
fixing the guide prices for the fishery products listed in Annex 1(A), (D) 
and (E) of Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 for the 1997 fishing year 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
fixing the guide prices for the fishery products listed in Annex II to 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 for the 1997 fishing year 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
fixing the Community producer price for tuna intended for the industrial 
manufacture of products falling within CN code 1604 for the 1997 fishing year 
(presented by the Commission) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
The purpose of this Regulation is to fix the guide prices for 1997 for the products in Annex 1(A), (D) and (E) 
to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common organization of the market in fishery and aquaculture 
products. Article 9 of that Regulation states that a guide price for each of these products is to be fixed for each 
fishing year on the basis of the average of prices recorded for a significant proportion of Community output 
and a product with given commercial characteristics on representative wholesale markets or in representative 
ports during the three fishing years immediately preceding the year for which the price is fixed. Account is also 
taken of the production and demand prospects and other criteria relating to the stabilization of market prices, 
support for producers' incomes and consumers' interests. 
As in previous years, the procedure for fixing the prices for 1997 has been based on a comparison between the 
average of prices recorded between 1994 and the first six months of 1996 and that for the period between 1993 
and 1995, which was used as a basis for fixing the guide prices for 1996. 
The reduction in white fish prices recorded between 1994 and 1996 fluctuated between -1% and -11% for 
most species and prices have been generally lower in the first half of 1996 than in the first half of 1995, with 
the exception of prices for plaice, sole, haddock and whiting. 
In view of the long-term trend in prices, the Commission proposes a reduction of 1-5% in the prices for various 
species of white fish, with the exception of redfish, for which it recommends no change; for plaice, dogfish, 
Ray's bream, dab, flounder and sole, the Commission proposes an increase of 1 -2%. 
With regard to pelagic species, prices recorded between 1994 and 1996 were generally higher than between 
1993 and 1995, except for Spanish mackerel and anchovy, with prices rising during the first half of 1996. The 
Commission proposes price changes from -3% to +3% for pelagic species. 
As regards the other species (shrimps, crabs, Norway lobster and cuttlefish), the Commission proposes no 
change for deep-water prawns and crabs, +5% for common shrimps, -1% for whole Norway lobster and 
cuttlefish and -5% for headed Norway lobster. 
It is proposed therefore: 
to lower the guide price for dogfish by 1%, for cod by 5%, for saithe by 1%, for haddock by 1%, for 
whiting by 1%, for ling by 1%, for Spanish mackerel by 3%, for anchovy by 1%, for hake by 2%, for 
megrim by 1%, for whole monkfish by 1%, for whole Norway lobster by 1%* for headed Norway lobster 
by 5% and for cuttlefish by 1%; 
to maintain.in 1997 the guide prices applicable in 1996 for herring, redfish, headed monkfish. edible 
crab and Northern prawn; 
to raise the guide price for sardine, Ray's bream, flounder and albacore by 1 %, dogfish, plaice, sole and 
dab by 2%, mackerel by 3% and common shrimp by 5%. 
2. 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 
of 
fixing the guide prices for the fishery products listed in Annex I (A), (D) and (E) of 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 for the 1997 fishing year 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 of 17 December 1992 on the common 
organization of the market in fishery and aquaculture products ', as amended by Regulation (EEC) 
No 3318/94 2, and in particular Article 9 (3) thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas Article 9 (1) and (2) of Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 provides that a guide price shall be fixed 
for each of the products listed in Annex I (A), (D) and (E) of the Regulation at a level which will help 
to stabilize market prices and avoid the formation of surpluses in the Community ; whereas that level 
must also help support producers' income and at the same time take account of consumers' interest ; 
Whereas the guide price shall be based on the average of prices as defined in Article 9 (2) of that 
Regulation and on an assessment of production and demand prospects ; 
Whereas the application of these criteria involves for the 1997 fishing year, an increase for certain 
products and the stabilization or decrease of prices for others compared with prices applicable during the 
current fishing year ; 
1OJNoL388, 31.12.1992, p. 1. 
*OJ No L 350, 31.12.1994, p. 15. 
h 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION 
Article 1 
The guide prices for the fishing year from 1 January to 31 December 1997 for the products listed in 
Annex I (A), (D) and (E) to Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 and the commercial categories to which they 
relate are fixed in the Annex hereto. 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1997. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
if 
ANNEX 
Species 
1. Herrings of the species 
Clupaa hareng-us 
2. Sardines of the species 
Sardina pilchardus 
3. Picked dogfish 
(Squalus acanthias) 
4. Catshanks (Scyliorhinua 
spp.) 
5. Redfish (Sebastes spp.) 
6. Cod of the species Gadua 
morhua 
7. Coalfish (Pollachius 
virens) 
8. Haddock (Melanograamus 
aeglefinus) 
9. Whiting (Merlangius 
marlangus) 
10. Ling (Molva spp.) 
11. Mackerel, of the species 
Scomber scpnbrus 
12. Mackerel of the species 
Scomber japonicus 
13. Anchovies (Engraulis spp.) 
14. Plaice 
(Pleuronectes platessa) Commercial specifications i1) 
Freshness 
category 
Extra, A 
Extra 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
A 
A 
or 
A 
A 
or 
A 
A 
or 
A 
A 
or 
A 
Extra, A 
Extra 
or 
A 
Extra 
or 
A 
Extra 
A 
or 
A Size 
1 
3 
1 
2 
2 
3 
2 
3 
2 
3 
2 
3 
1, 2 
1 
2 
1 
2 
2 
2 
3 Presentation 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with he.ad 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
whole fish 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head Guide price 
(ECU/tonne) 
275 
508 
) 1036 
) 806 
1121 
) 1431 
) 762 
) 1031 
) 893 
1117 
) 280 
) 312 
1156 
1.1.1997 ) 
- 30.4.1997 } 998 
1.5.1997 {' 
- 31.12..1997{ 1372 
-5" 
15. Hake of the species 
Marluccius marluccius 
16. Megrim (Lapidorhombus 
spp.) 
17. Ray's bream (Brama spp.) 
18. Monkfish (Lophius spp.) 
19. Shrimps of the species 
Crangon crangon 
20. Edible crab (Cancer 
pagurus) 
21. Norway lobster 
(Nephrops norvégiens) 
22. Dab 
(Limanda limanda) 
23. Flounder 
(Platichthys flesus) 
24. Albacore or longfinned tuna 
(Thunnus alalunga) 
25. Cuttlefish 
(Sepia officinalis and 
Rossia macrosoma) 
•26. Sole 
(Solea spp.) 
27. Deep-water prawns (Pandalus 
Borealis) A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
A 
-
E, A 
E, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
Extra, A 
A 
A 1 
1, 2 
1 
2, 3 
2, 3 
1 
1 
1, 2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1, 2 
1 
1 Gutted fish with head 
Whole fish, gutted fish 
with head 
Whole fish 
Whole, or gutted with 
head 
Without head 
Simply boiled in water 
Whole 
Whole 
Tails 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Whole 
Gutted fish with head 
Simply boiled in water 
Fresh or chilled 3623 
2289 
1782 
2 650 
5449 
2327 
1767 
5078 
4130 
933 
547 
2103 
2453 
1582 
6142 
6200 
1690 
(1) The freshness categories, sizes and presentation are defined pursuant to Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) 
No 3759/92 
e 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common organization of the market in fishery products provides that, for 
each of the products listed in Annex II, a guide price is to be fixed for a product with given commercial 
characteristics on the basis of the average of prices recorded for a significant proportion of Community output 
on representative wholesale markets or in representative ports during the three fishing years immediately 
preceding the year for which the price is fixed. 
Examination of the market price trends and the level of the guide prices for frozen products suggests that the 
guide prices applicable in 1996 to hake and Illex and Loligo squid should be reduced. 
In these circumstances the Commission proposes to adjust the Community guide prices in line with recent 
market trends and thus reduce the price for hake by (2%), for Illex squid by (1%) and for Loligo squid by (9%) 
for the 1997 fishing year. 
On the other hand, since prices for octopus, cuttlefish, shrimps (other Parapenaeus longirostris), Greenland 
halibut and red bream have risen substantially, mainly in the first half of 1996, their guide prices should be 
increased by 4%, 1%, 2%, 1% and 3% respectively. 
The Commission proposes to maintain the prices for common squid and shrimps (other Penaeidae). 
Y 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No / 
of 
fixing the guide prices for the fishery products listed in Annex II to 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 for the 1997 fishing year 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 of 17 December 1992 on the common organization of 
the market in fishery and aquaculture products , as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3318/94 , and in 
particular Article 9 (3), 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas Article 9 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 provides that a guide price shall be fixed annually for 
each of the products or groups of products listed in Annex II to that Regulation ; 
Whereas, according to the data available at present concerning prices for the products in question and the criteria 
laid down in Article 9 (2),of that Regulation, these prices should be maintained and decreased according to the 
species for the 1997 fishing year, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : 
Article 1 
The guide prices for the fishing year 1 January to 31 December 1997 for the products listed in Annex II to 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 and the commercial categories to which they relate are fixed in the Annex hereto. 
'OJNOL388, 31.12.1992, p. 1. 
2OJNoL350, 31.12.1994, p. 15. 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1997. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
<\ 
ANNEX 
(ECU/tonne) 
GROUP OF PRODUCTS COMMERCIAL SPECIFICATIONS GUIDE PRICE 
1. Sea-bream (Dentex dentex and Pagellus spp.) Frozen, in lots or in original packages containing the same 1525 
products 
2. Squid of the species Loligo paUgonica Frozen, not cleaned, in original packages containing the same 1013 
products 
3. Squid (Ommastrephes sagittatus) Frozen, not cleaned, in original pacicages containing the same 961 
products 
4. Illex argentinus Frozen, not cleaned, in original pacicages containing the same 897 
Iproducts 
5. Cuttlefish of the species Sepia officinalis, Rossia Frozen, in original pacicages containing the same products 1968 
macrosoma and Sepiola rondeletti 
6. Octopus (Octopus spp.) Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1875 
7. Lesser or Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1900 
hippoglossoides) 
| 8. Whole hake of the genus Merluccius spp. Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1290 
9. Fillets of hake of the genus Merluccius spp. Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1593 
10. - Prawns of the species Parapenaeus longirostris Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 4080 
- Other species of the family Penaeidae 7985 
Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 
^D 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common organization of the market in fishery products provides that, for 
tuna intended for use by the canning industry, a Community producer price is to be fixed for a product with 
given commercial characteristics on the basis of the average of prices recorded for a significant proportion of 
Community output on representative wholesale markets or in representative ports during the three fishing years 
immediately preceding the year for which the price is fixed. 
The average Community producer price has shown a recovery over the last three years, but prices fell sharply 
during the first six months of 1996. 
Given the significant difference between the Community producer price and the average market price for tuna, 
the Commission proposes to reduce its Community producer price for the 1997 fishing year by 5%. 
A1 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 
of 
fixing the Community producer price for tuna intended for the industrial manufacture of products 
falling within CN code 1604 for the 1997 fishing year 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 of 17 December 1992 on the common organization of the 
market in fishery and aquaculture products , as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3318/942, and in particular 
Article 17(1) thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas Article 17(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 provides that a Community producer price should be 
fixed for tuna (of the genus Thunnus), skipjack or stripe-bellied bonito [Euthynnus (Katsuwonus) pelamis] and 
other species of the genus Euthynnus intended for the industrial manufacture of products falling within CN code 
1604; 
Whereas, on the basis of the criteria laid down in the first and second indents of Article 9(2) and in Article 17(1) of 
the abovementioned Regulation, the price for the 1997 fishing year should be decreased, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
1 OJ No L 388, 31.12.1992, p. 1. 
2 OJNoL 350,31.12.1994, p. 15. //£_ 
Article 1 
The Community producer price for the fishing year 1 January to 31 December 1997 for tuna (of the genus 
Thunnus), skipjack or stripe-bellied bonito [Euthynnus (Katsuwonus) pelamis] and other species of the genus 
Euthynnus for the industrial manufacture of products falling within CN code 1604 and the commercial category 
to which it relates is hereby fixed as follows : 
(ECU/tonne) 
Species Commercial specifications Community producer price 
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus Whole, weighing more than 1168 
albacares) 10 kg each 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1997. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
45 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
DATE: 7/10/1996 
BUDGET HEADING: B 1-261 APPROPRIATIONS: 
TITLE: Three proposals for Council Regulations fixing the guide prices for fishery products (Annex I, A, D and E, 
Annex II to Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92) and the Community producer price for tuna (Annex III) 
LEGAL BASIS: Articles 9 and 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 
4. AIMS OF PROJECT: Annual fixing of prices in the fisheries sector (1997 fishing year) 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
5.0. EXPENDITURE 
- CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET 
(INTERVENTION) 
5.1. REVENUE 
- OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC 
(LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES) 
- NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 1997 
million ecu 
5.0.1. ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 
5.1.1. ESTIMATED REVENUE measure restricted to the 1997 fishing year (16.10.96-15.10.97) 
5.2. METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSISTANCE FROM THE CMO BUDGET: 
- Community withdrawals: ECU 16 million 
- Community carry-overs ECU 3 million 
- Autonomous withdrawals and carry-overs ECU 4 million 
- Compensatory allowance for tuna: ECU 9 million 
- Private storage aid: ECU 0 million 
6 0. CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED FROM APPROPRIATIONS ENTERED IN THE RELEVANT 
CHAPTER OF THE CURRENT BUDGET? 
6.1. CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED BY TRANSFER BETWEEN CHAPTERS OF THE CURRENT 
BUDGET? 
6.2. IS A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET NECESSARY? NO 
6.3. WILL FUTURE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BE NECESSARY? YES 
OBSERVATIONS: Since this is a price fixing measure the impact on expenditure is indirect. The expenditure in question will 
largely depend on developments in the market situation and on quantities landed. 
A^ 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 527 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-532-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-10565-1 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg