WRITTEN QUESTION E-0100/01

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(29 January 2001)

Subject: Impact of storms in Galicia on fisheries and shellfishing

The economy of regions such as Galicia in Spain, as well as regions of Portugal and France on the Atlantic seaboard, have been and continue to be badly hit by the severe storms which have been wreaking havoc on Europe's Atlantic coast since last October. The production systems of these regions, which are highly dependent on the primary sector (i.e. agriculture and fisheries), are feeling the effects of these adverse weather conditions.

The loss to shellfishing in Galicia caused by the decimation of stocks of bivalves resulting from the fall in water salinity is estimated at ESP 7 billion. Some species have been completely wiped out, and young shellfish have also been affected. Consequently, not only this year's harvest, but the basis for next year's as well, have been completely lost.

The storms have inflicted unprecedented losses on agriculture and fisheries. Farmers have requested a range of support measures from the competent authorities, including soft loans and direct aid to compensate for lost income.

Fishermen, meanwhile, speak of disaster, tragedy and despair. The small-scale fishing in small vessels in which they are engaged represents the sole source of income for many families, which have been forced to survive on less than ESP 30 000 a month. Having been confined to port for three months, the circumstances for some have become so dire that they have been forced to turn to loans and the social services for help. Fishermen's guilds such as that in Cedeira (La Coruña) have resorted to taking out bank loans as a means of providing immediate economic assistance to its members.

Given the traditionally low take-up of FIFG resources, will the Commission consider the possibility of cofinancing support measures for estuary fishing and shellfishing in those regions of Europe hardest hit by the storms, such as Galicia? Has the Spanish Government put forward a proposal of any kind to this effect?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 February 2001)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern over the situation for fishermen and shellfish farmers hit by bad weather over recent months in regions such as Galicia.

The Commission would point out that under certain conditions specified in Article 16 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 laying down detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector(1), Member States may grant fishermen compensation, part-financed by the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), for temporary cessation of activities under unforeseeable circumstances, in particular cessation for biological reasons. However, for the 2000-2006 programming period, the total amount is limited to 1 million or 4 % of the Community financial assistance allocated to the sector in the Member State concerned.

In light of these circumstances, it is up to the Spanish government to take appropriate decisions on granting any compensation allowances.

The Commission would stress that the implementation rate for the FIFG in Spain in 1994-1999 will be almost 100 %. For 2000-2006, implementation of the FIFG is progressing in line with programming expectations.

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999.