WRITTEN QUESTION E-3842/00

by Jacqueline Foster (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Long-line fishing

Long-line fishing is a very serious problem for seabirds. I believe that the Commission is currently assessing the need for a Community action plan on long-line fishing. Could the Commission confirm the action that it is undertaking on this issue?

Could the Commission note that a number of measures may be introduced to promote a more seabird-friendly method of long-line fishing including:

- the use of bird scaring lines with plastic streamers on them;

- weighing the lines so they sink faster, thus reducing the risk of catching seabirds;

- setting the lines through tubes underwater so that birds on the surface cannot reach the hooks;

- prohibiting fish offal discharge from the fishing vessels, as this attracts seabirds to long-lines;

- insisting on the setting of the long-lines at night, where there are fewer seabirds seeking food?

Is there any European legislation currently in force on this issue and if so, could the Commission convey the relevant reference numbers of these documents?

What action is the Commission taking on private vessels fishing illegally in the Southern Ocean, as pirate fishing kills up to 100 000 seabirds annually?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 January 2001)

The Commission, after supporting the technical meetings that helped to define the food and agriculture organization (FAO) International plan of action (IPOA) for reducing incidental catches of seabirds in longline fisheries (FAO-IPOA Seabirds), is currently drafting a Community action plan starting from the information made available by the Member States in response to a questionnaire sent to them the last summer.

The European Commission has received several enquiries about this issue and it is increasingly aware of possible problems regarding incidental catches of seabirds in longline fisheries. However not every longline fishery requires the adoption of mitigation measures because incidental catch of seabirds does not occur universally.

The main concerns regard albatrosses and other species, essentially in the Southern Oceans. To tackle this problem, the Community has already incorporated within Community legislation (Council Regulation (EC) No 66/98 of 18 December 1997 laying down certain conservation and control measures applicable to fishing activities in the Antarctic and repealing Regulation (EC) (EC) No 2113/96(1) and Council Regulation (EC) No 2479/98 of 12 November 1998 amending Regulation (EC) No 66/98 laying down certain conservation and control measures applicable to fishing activities in the Antarctic(2)) several mitigation measures, including those reported in the Honourable Member's question recommended by the Council for the Conservation of Antarctic Maríne Living Resources (CCAMLR). Setting of lines through tubes underwater is the only measure not envisaged as the same effect is obtained by weighting the lines.

As regards illegal fishing, the Commission is aware of the issue of flags of convenience in sustaining pirate fishery and is calling upon states to ratify urgently the Agreement to promote compliance with international conservation and management measures by fishing vessels on the high seas. This agreement has already been ratified by the Community in 1996. Furthermore, within Community legislation there are provisions dealing with control, fleet and market policy which could be effective in tackling the problem of illegal fishing when and if carried out by Community or third country vessels allowed to operate in our waters. It is the legal responsibility of the Member States to implement these rules and to ensure compliance with them.

In addition the Commission is actively participating in the development of an international plan of action, within the context of the FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries, to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. On this point, the Commission is particularly concerned not only by the flag of convenience vessels but also by the port of convenience.

The Commission believes that the role of the regional fisheries organisation (RFO) in promoting sustainable and responsible fishing is crucial. The recommendations of the RFOs must be implemented by the contracting parties and their compliance by non contracting co-operative parties should also be fostered.

(1) OJ L 6, 10.1.1998.

(2) OJ L 309, 19.11.1998.