WRITTEN QUESTION E-0511/98

by Dominique Souchet (I-EDN) to the Commission

(2 March 1998)

Subject: Prohibition on the use of driftnets

It is certain that other species are accidentally caught in driftnets in the Baltic Sea. Information gathered by the ICES shows that these include several species of birds (guillemot and razorbill) and marine mammals (seals and porpoises). The populations of some of these species in these areas have been considerably reduced (porpoises and common seal). In addition, the wild salmon stock in the Baltic Sea is threatened.

In light of this information, does the Council believe that it is logical to prohibit the use of 2.5 km driftnets in the Atlantic (outside coastal waters) and to authorize 21 km driftnets (not counting the reserve net) in the Baltic Sea?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0503/98, E-0505/98, E-0507/98, E-0509/98 and E-0511/98 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 1998)

The Commission proposal drafted in 1994(1) covered the Baltic Sea, but this did not get the approval of Parliament. Generally speaking, it has been impossible to achieve a qualified majority in the Council, inter alia because of the inclusion of the Baltic. The UK Presidency plans to put forward a compromise, excluding the Baltic, which is covered by special rules. The Commission considers this reasonable, in view of the development of the situation and the knowledge gained since 1991. Indeed, in the Baltic, by-catches, and in particular those referred to by the Honourable Member, are mainly taken by fishing gear other than driftnets, which are used in the central zone, while the species concerned are primarily coastal. As regards the target species, namely salmon, the Commission is indeed worried by the situation, but welcomes the adoption of a plan to safeguard wild salmon stocks in the Baltic, giving appropriate consideration to all the problems threatening the stock.

As regards possible separate treatment of coastal waters, and more particularly of the 12 - mile zone, the Commission proposal made no reference to this. Moreover, although Parliament's resolution (A-0009/94) provided for such a possibility, as far as the Commission is aware, the UK Presidency has no plans for different rules inside and outside the 12 - mile limit.

On the other hand, the Commission continues to hold the view that fishing with oceanic driftnets should be discontinued. The continuation of this type of fishing would pose ecological and socio-economic risks, risks that the Commission analysed in its communication to the Council of 1994 (COM(94) 50 final). Allowing this method would therefore go against the precautionary approach which debates in both Parliament and the Council have shown to be supported by a large majority within the Community. Reserving this method for the fleets of one or more Member States would furthermore be unfair. The Commission therefore continues to hold that steps must be taken to convert the driftnet fleet. Albacore fishing will obviously continue to be allowed but using methods other than gill nets. Indeed, the French albacore fleet makes great use of the pelagic trawl. Generally speaking, the Commission is convinced that aid is necessary to facilitate the move to methods other than driftnets.

As regards the situation in the Mediterranean, the Commission welcomes the adoption by the Italian authorities of arrangements, supported unanimously by the Council, for the conversion of the Italian "spadare" fleet. The Commission is pleased with the progress made in 1997 on inspection, but believes more needs to be done.

The Commission is not yet in a position to evaluate the results of the Italian plan for the diversification of the driftnet fleet, since it covers several years, only ending in 1999. It is therefore impossible at this stage to draw conclusions concerning the disappearance of this segment of the Italian fleet. In any event, implementation of the plan for the conversion of the "spadare" vessels was delayed by uncertainty, recently cleared up, over the status of the conversion premiums under the Italian tax system.

(1) COM(94) 131 final.