Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) introducing transitional measures into Regulation (EC) No 1626/94 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean` () (97/C 30/25)

On 3 June 1996 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 Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 18 July 1996. The Rapporteur was Mr Muñiz Guardado.

At its 338th Plenary Session (meeting of 25 September 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 68 votes to eight, with ten abstentions.

1. Introduction

1.1. Regulation (EC) 1626/94 of 27 June 1994 lays down technical conservation measures for Mediterranean fishery resources. The Regulation sets minimum catch sizes for certain species and minimum net mesh sizes.

1.2. In response to specific problems faced by Italian fishermen in the Adriatic, the Commission is now proposing temporary derogations to the Regulation that will allow these fishermen to catch and market fish of less than the minimum size.

1.3. The proposal also provides for the possibility of extending the derogations to other parts of the EU.

2. General comments

2.1. The Committee recognizes that the proposed amendments are not exceptional, as the Regulation already provides for other derogations.

2.2. The Committee notes the Commission's statement that the proposal is less radical than the initial request by the Italian organizations. It also notes that the derogation is to be temporary.

2.3. However, the Committee would recall the comments made in other ESC Opinions on fisheries conservation and management which run counter to the present proposal; these have highlighted the worrying depletion of Mediterranean fishery resources and the urgent need to adopt remedial measures and policies. The European Parliament and the Commission itself have expressed similar concerns.

2.4. The Committee also stresses that the Commission's figures - which are borne out by the studies and surveys of international bodies such as FAO - show that Mediterranean resources are over-exploited and that there is a pressing need to restructure the fisheries sector.

2.5. These considerations strengthen the Committee's view that it is necessary to gradually alter fishing patterns and the use of certain fishing practices in the Mediterranean, particularly those which take the greatest toll of juveniles. If action is not taken, it may be impossible to rationalize fishery activity in a sustainable manner.

2.6. Although the measures now being proposed are for a transitional and limited period, they form a serious precedent which could jeopardize efforts to secure a more structured fisheries conservation policy in the Mediterranean.

2.6.1. The Committee also points out that the possible extension of the derogation to other regions is an extremely serious matter, as it could jeopardize all the Community's efforts to reduce juvenile fishing mortality.

2.7. For the above reasons, the Committee cannot endorse the present proposal. However, mindful of the economic and social impact on fishermen in the Italian Adriatic of the technical measures introduced under Regulation 1626/94, the Commottee asks the Commission to use existing structural instruments to cushion the negative impact and meet the legitimate concerns of those fishermen.

2.8. The Committee calls for more campaigns to inform members of the sector and consumers in general of the minimum authorized sizes and the implications of the consumption of juveniles. Controls should also be tightened up, particularly on landings at Community borders. The Committee asks the Commission to press third countries which fish for the same Mediterranean resources to make similar efforts, with a view to rationalizing Mediterranean fishing activity and ensuring its survival.

Brussels, 25 September 1996.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 176, 19. 6. 1996, p. 14.