COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 10.11.1997 
COM(97) 556 final 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
fixing the guide prices for the fishery products listed in Annex I (A), (D) and (E) of 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 for the 1998 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 1998 fishing year 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
fixin<* the Community producer price for tuna intended for the industrial manufacture of products 
falling within CN code 1604 for the 1998 fishing year 
(presented by the Commission) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
The purpose of this Regulation is to fix the guide prices for 1998 for the products in 
Annex 1(A), (D) and (E) to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common 
organisation 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 stabilisation of market prices, 
support for producers' incomes and consumers' interests. 
As in previous years, the procedure for fixing the prices for 1998 has been based on a 
comparison between the average of prices recorded between 1995 and the first six 
months of 1997 and that for the period between 1994 and 1996, which was used as a 
basis for fixing the guide prices for 1997. 
The reduction in white fish prices recorded in the most recent fishing year has eased 
slightly, giving rise to a more favourable situation between 1995 and 1997 than between 
1994 and 1996 with more or less stable prices, haddock being the notable exception (-
4%). Prices for white fish have been higher in the first half of 1997 than they were in the 
first half of 1996. 
In view of the long-term trend in prices, the Commission proposes an increase of 1-3% 
in the prices for certain species of white fish, with the exception of dogfish (Scyliorhinus 
spp), saithe, whiting, hake, megrim, Ray's bream and whole monkfish for which it 
recommends no change; for dogfish (Squalus acanthias), cod and haddock the 
Commission proposes a cut of 1-2%. 
With regard to pelagic species, prices between 1995 and 1997 (as compared with the 
period 1994-96) varied between -6% and +44%, with a less favourable trend for the first 
half of 1997 than for the first half of 1996: from -39% to +28%. The Commission 
proposes price changes from -3% to +3% for pelagic species and for albacore. 
As regards the other species (shrimps, crabs, Norway lobster and cuttlefish), the 
Commission proposes no change for cooked deep-water prawns, +1% for Norway 
lobster, -1% for crabs, cuttlefish and fresh deep-water prawns and -2% for common 
shrimps. 
It is proposed therefore: 
to lower the guide price for dogfish (Squalus acanthias) by 1 %, for cod by 1 %, 
for haddock by 2%, for Spanish mackerel by 3%, for anchovy by 1%, for 
common shrimps by 2%, for edible crab by 1%, for albacore by 2% , for 
cuttlefish by 1 % and for fresh deep-water prawns by 1 % ; 
£ 
to maintain in 1998 the guide prices applicable in 1997 for herring, dogfish 
(Scyliorhinus spp.), saithe, whiting, hake, megrim, Ray's bream, whole 
monkfish, and cooked deep-water prawn; 
to raise the guide price for sardine, redfish, ling, headed monkfish and Norway 
lobster by 1%, for plaice and flounder by 2% and for mackerel, dab and sole by 
3%. 
iliC^Si 
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 1998 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 1998 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 ; 
^JNoLSSS, 31.12.1992, p. 1 
OJNoL350, 31.12.1994, p. 15. 
^ 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : 
Article 1 
The guide prices for the fishing year from 1 January to 31 December 1998 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 1998. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
s~ 
ANNEX 
Species 
1. Herrings of the species 
Clupea harangue 
2. Sardines of the species 
Sardina pilchardus 
3. Picked dogfish 
(Squalus acanthias) 
4. Catshanks (Scyliorhinus 
spp.) 
5. Redfish (Sebastes spp.) 
6. Cod of the species Gadus 
morhua 
7. Coalfish (Pollachius 
virens) 
8 . Haddock (Melanograxnmus f 
aeglefinus) 
9. Whiting (Merlangius 
merlangus) 
10. Ling (Molva spp.) 
11. Mackerel of the species 
Scomber scombrus 
12. Mackerel of the species 
Scomber japonicus Commercial specifications (l) 
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 Size 
1 
3 
2 
1 
2 
2 
3 
2 
3 
2 
3 
2 
3 
1, 2 
1 
2 
1 
2 Presentation 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
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 Guide price 
(ECU/tonne) 
274 
513 
) 1026 
) 
)806 
) 
1132 
) 
) 1461 
) 
) 
)762 
) 
) 
) 1010 
) 
) 
)893 
) 
1139 
) 
)288 
) 
) 
) 303 
6 
13. Anchovies (Engraulis spp.) 
14. Plaice 
(Pleuronectes platessa) 
15. Hake of the species 
Merluccius merluccius 
16. Megrim (Lepidorhoxnbus 
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 norvegicus) 
22. Dab 
(Limanda 1imanda) 
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) Extra 
A 
or 
A 
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 2 
2 
3 
1 
1, 2 
1 
2, 3 
2, 3 
1 
1 
1, 2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1, 2 
2, 3 
1 
1 Whole fish 
Gutted fish with head 
Gutted fish with head 
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 1156 
from 1.1.1998 } 
until 30.4.1998 ( 1027 
from 1.5.1998 { 
until 31.12.1998{ 1413 
3623 
2289 
1782 
2664 
5503 
2334 
1749 
5129 
4303 
961 
558 
2061 
2404 
1566 
6326 
6324 
1673 
(1) The freshness categories, sizes and presentation are defined pursuant to Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) 
No 3759/92 
^ 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common organisation 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 1998 to Illex and Loligo squid, 
cuttlefish, hake fillets and shrimps (other Penaeidae) should be reduced. 
In these circumstances the Commission proposes to adjust the Community guide prices in 
line with market trends and thus reduce the price for Illex squid by 2%, for Loligo squid 
by 3%, for cuttlefish by 1%, for hake fillets by 2% and for shrimps (other Penaeidae) 
by 2% for the 1998 fishing year. 
On the other hand, since prices for other species have risen, guide prices for octopus, 
Greenland halibut and sea bream should be increased by 4%, 1 % and 2% respectively. 
The Commission proposes to maintain the prices for whole hake and shrimps 
(Parapenaeus longirostris). 
t 
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 1998 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 3318/942, 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 increased, maintained or decreased 
according to the species for the 1998 fishing year, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : 
Article 1 
The guide prices for the fishing year 1 January to 31 December 1998 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. 
*OJ No L 388, 31.12.1992, p. 1. 
2OJNoL350, 31.12.1994, p. 15. 
9 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1998. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
A o 
ANNEX 
(ECU/tonne) 
GROUP OF PRODUCTS COMMERCIAL SPECIFICATIONS GUIDE PRICE 
1. Sea-bream (Dentex dcntex and Pagellus spp.) Frozen, in lots or in original packages containing the same 1556 
products 
2. Squid of the species Loligo patagonica Frozen, not cleaned, in original packages containing the same 1025 
products 
3. Squid (Ommastrephes sagittatus) Frozen, not cleaned, in original packages containing the same 961 
products 
4. Illex argentinus Frozen, not cleaned, in original packages containing the same 879 
products 
5. Cuttlefish of the species Sepia officinalis. Rossia Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1948 
macrosoma and Scpiola rondcletti 
6. Octopus (Octopus spp.) Frozen, in original packages containing the same products !()87 
7. Lesser or Greenland halibut (Rcinhardtius Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 1919 
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 1561 
10. - Prawns of the species Parapenaeus longirostris Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 4120 
-Other species of the family Penaeidae 7825 
Frozen, in original packages containing the same products 
L) 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Regulation (EEC) No 3759/92 on the common organisation of the market in fishery 
products provides that, for tuna intended for 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 
and prices rose sharply during the first six months of 1997. 
However, the Community producer price fixed for 1997 (1204 E/T) remains above the 
average price for the three previous fishing years (1162 E/T), and competitiveness in the 
canning sector means that prudence should be exercised when fixing prices. Under these 
circumstances the Commission proposes to increase Community producer prices for tuna 
by 1% for the 1998 fishing year. 
)2u 
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 1998 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 1998 fishing year should be increased, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
OJ NoL388,31.12.1992, p. 1. 
OJNo L 350,31.12.1994,p. 15. j r> 
Article 1 
The Community producer price for the fishing year 1 January to 31 December 1998 for tuna (of the genus 
Thuniius), 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 1216 
albacares) 10 kg each 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1998. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
J¥ 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
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 
AIMS OF PROJECT: Annual fixing of prices in the fisheries sector (1998 fishing year) 
5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 1998 
million ecu 
5.0. EXPENDITURE 
- CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET 
(INTERVENTION ) 
- NATIONAL AUTHORITIES 
5.1. RECEIPTS 
- OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC 
(LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES) 
- NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 27.5 
5.0.1. ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 
5.1.1. ESTIMATED REVENUE measure restricted to the 1998 fishing year (16.10.97-15.10.98) 
5.2. METHOD OF CALCULATING ASSISTANCE FROM THE CMO BUDGET: 
- Community withdrawals: ECU 16,5 million 
- Community carry-overs ECU 2 million 
- Autonomous withdrawals and carry-overs ECU 5 million 
- Compensatory allowance for tuna: ECU 4 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. 
)C 

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COM(97) 556 final 
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ISBN 92-78-26857-7 
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