WRITTEN QUESTION E-1548/03

by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject: Hunting of the black-tailed godwit in France

In some southern European countries there is still widespread hunting of migratory birds. Information from the website of the French National Office for Hunting www.oncfs.gouv.fr reveals that more than 435 000 lapwings and 115 000 waders, including approximately 20 000 black-tailed godwits, were shot in France in 2002.

At the same time, elsewhere in Europe, including the Netherlands, vulnerable meadow birds are carefully protected. This intensive and expensive protection is reflected in active and careful cultivation and pasture. Despite this, there has been a decline in the black-tailed godwit population in the Netherlands, where the number of birds has halved over the past ten years, to approximately 45 000 breeding pairs. France is on the migration route taken by black-tailed godwits that breed in the Netherlands.

The figures for hunting in France show that there is a real threat to European migratory bird populations.

1. Does the Commission see a link between hunting practices in France and the decline of the black-tailed godwit in various parts of Europe, and in the Netherlands in particular?

2. Does the Commission agree that in France there is no question of wise and sustainable use of green space (Wise use, World Conservation Strategy, 1981)?

3. Do hunting practices in France comply fully with the Birds Directive?

4. If so, does the Commission consider it necessary to propose changes to the Birds Directive?

5. How will action be taken to reduce the widespread shooting of migratory birds and halt the decline in their numbers?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2003)

1. The Black-tailed Godwit is a hunted species only in France and Italy. The extent of the annual bag in Member States is estimated to be no more than 40 000 birds, which compared to the minimum total number wintering or passing through Europe (at least 515 000), is a relatively low off-take (c.8 %).

From the draft management plan for the Black-tailed Godwit commissioned by Directorate General (DG) Environment, it appears that declining habitat quality and loss are considered the major causes of the decline in Black-tailed Godwit in Europe. According to scientific studies, it is considered that the main causes of declines are changes affecting breeding habitats. A major cause of modification or loss of wet grassland habitat formerly used by breeding Black-tailed Godwit has been the changes in agriculture which have occurred throughout this century, but especially in the last 30 years.

2. Article 7(4) of Directive 79/409/EEC (the Birds Directive)(1) requires that the practice of hunting complies with the principles of wise use and ecologically balanced control of the species of birds concerned and that the practice of hunting is compatible with the species conservation status. As with all Member States, France is in the process of implementing the Directive and putting in place the necessary measures for wise and sustainable use of green space, including the establishment of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). However, the Commission considers that this objective has not yet been achieved.

3. By way of follow-up to the European Court of Justice ruling in December 2000 condemning France for failure to comply with the provisions of Article 7(4) of the Directive in relation to fixing of hunting seasons, the Commission is in an ongoing dialogue with the French authorities on this matter. There has been some progress in recent years. As regards, the hunting of the Black-tailed Godwit specifically, which is a huntable species in France, the hunting season is conformity with the Directive. Within the framework of the management plan being prepared for this species, there is recognition of the need for improved bag statistics to determine the impact of hunting on the populations of the species. However, the main concerns relate to the need for adequate site protection and management throughout the species range.

4. The Commission is working with Member States and key stakeholder groups to promote sustainable hunting under the Birds Directive within the framework of a sustainable hunting initiative (details of the initiative are given on web site of DG Environment at http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/home.htm). This will provide the basis to assist reflections on any possible future modifications of the hunting provisions of the Directive. The Commission does not presently have plans to amend the Directive.

5. In line with the principle of subsidiarity it is the Member States who are responsible for the practical application of their hunting legislation in accordance with the biological principles of the Directive. The Commission is committed to ensuring the full respect of the provisions of the Directive and has pursued legal actions against Member States where necessary. It is working closely with Member States and stakeholder groups to define the nature and scale of different problems facing wild bird populations so that conservation action is based on sound science.

(1) Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.