Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 defining the characteristics of fishing vessels (94/C 393/17)

On 13 July 1994, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the abovementioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 1 September 1994. The Rapporteur was Mr McGarry.

The Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted the following Opinion at its 318th Plenary Session held on 14/15 September (meeting of 14 September 1994).

1. Introduction

1.1. Since 18 July 1994 all EU fishing vessels have been obliged to calculate their gross tonnage under uniform rules of measurement (Reg. 2930/86).

1.2. In practice, given the large number of vessels involved, it has proved technically impossible to meet this deadline.

1.3. This is particularly so in the case of smaller vessels, which comprise the bulk of the EU fleet.

1.4. The Committee notes that in the meantime the Council has agreed in principle with the proposal and has also introduced some changes to it. One such change is that the upper limit for 'small vessel' classification has been increased from 10 metres to 15 metres overall length.

2. General remarks

2.1. The Committee supports the proposal to standardize the calculation of tonnage of fishing vessels to meet the objectives set out by the Commission.

2.2. The general system for tonnage measurement is that set out in Annex 1 of the International Tonnage Convention, 1969, which calculates the volumetric capacity of a vessel.

2.3. Several vessels have been measured under different formulae with resultant discrepancies in values between vessels of roughly similar size.

3. Specific remarks

3.1. The Committee agrees with the proposal to remeasure vessels in excess of 10 metres. It considers that any increase in this 10 metre threshold would lead to undesirable results, in that it would enable more vessels to be built specifically to take advantage of the seemingly less demanding requirements of the lower category, i.e. 'rule-beater'.

3.2. This would lead to a very substantial increase in fishing effort in that category as the performance and efficiency of such specially designed smaller vessels would be much greater than existing vessels of similar length.

3.3. The Committee also points out that the longer the vessel the greater the scope which exists to change its shape and specifications, leading to greater divergence and discrepancies in tonnage measurements.

3.4. The Committee is concerned that the basic intention of the proposed Regulation, which is to measure the enclosed volume of vessels, will be frustrated if the threshold is raised.

3.5. The Committee agrees that the deadline should be extended to allow sufficient time for the objective of the basic Regulation to be achieved. However, such extension of time should be based on a more realistic estimate of survey effort than that given in the Memorandum, which seems to be excessive.

3.6. In this regard clarification is required as to whether in-water or out-of-water surveys are intended. The Committee believes that an out-of-water survey would greatly increase the time required per vessel and would involve substantial direct as well as indirect costs.

3.7. The Committee considers that an out-of-water survey should not be required for vessels less than 24 metres.

3.8. The Committee asks whether a computer programme is not available, or capable of being designed, which could be used to perform this task where a vessel's plans are available, with a consequent saving in time, effort and expense. The possibility of using computer-linked electronic surveying techniques on vessels should also be investigated.

3.9. The interim formula proposed for remeasuring medium sized vessels is perhaps too simplistic as it appears to take less stringent account of variations in hull designs or the shape of vessels. The raising of the small vessel threshold from 10 metres to 15 metres must be therefore viewed with concern.

3.10. The Committee is unclear as to what is meant by the 'use of a special frame to measure the internal dimensions' and queries whether such a device actually exists.

3.11. As the necessity to remeasure is an additional obligation imposed by a Community Regulation, the cost should be met by the Member State and/or the EU and no cost, direct or indirect, should fall on vessel owners.

3.12. The Committee would like a supervisory committee to be set up to ensure common interpretation and implementation of the measures through the EU.

3.13. The other elements in the proposal for a Regulation can be supported.

Done at Brussels, 14 September 1994.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Susanne TIEMANN