WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2991/97 by María SORNOSA MARTÍNEZ to the Commission. Ban on hunting and legal protection of the Marjal del Moro (Valencia)
Date: 1997-10-01
Institutions: European Parliament, SORNOSA MARTINEZ
Subjects: Community of Valencia, bird, hunting, hunting regulations, protected area, protected species, protection of animal life, wildlife













EUR-Lex - 91997E2991 - EN






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91997E2991

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2991/97 by María SORNOSA MARTÍNEZ to the Commission. Ban on hunting and legal protection of the Marjal del Moro (Valencia)  


Official Journal C 134 , 30/04/1998 P. 0049 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2991/97 by María Sornosa Martínez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 October 1997)Subject: Ban on hunting and legal protection of the Marjal del Moro (Valencia)The Marjal del Moro, in the Valencia region, has been classified as a 'Zepa zone' under the Community directive on the protection of wild birds (79/409/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. ))) and it is home to many different bird species.Two of these species are on the verge of extinction: in the case of the marbled duck only 5 pairs with 28 chicks have been counted and in the case of ferruginous ducks, 4 males and 2 females. There are also other threatened species in Europe which seek refuge in the Marjal del Moro during the migration season.The Marjal is a restricted hunting area with a licence which expires during the 1997/98 season but which could be extended. Hunting represents a major risk to these and other protected species.In a question by María Sornosa and Pedro Marset (E-2682/97) the Commission was asked to take all possible action with a view to having the Marjal del Moro classified as a nature reserve (as requested by the Sagunto Town Council in 1994).1. Since the Marjal del Moro is a 'Zepa zone' and, therefore, part of Nature 2000, does the situation described above not constitute a failure to comply with Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora?2. What action could the Commission take to convince the central and regional governments concerned that the Marjal del Moro needs to be legally protected?3. Could some emergency measure not be introduced to ban hunting next season and thus save some of the species concerned from extinction?Answer given by Mrs. Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (10 November 1997)1. Hunting within a special protection area (SPA) does not as such constitute a breach of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. However, the hunting of all the species mentioned, which are protected by national and regional legislation, is prohibited and the presence and breeding of these species, in larger numbers than when the SPA was designated (for instance 5 marmaronetta angustirostris pairs instead of 1/2; and 6 examples of aythya nyroca, instead of none), seems to indicate that the area's carrying capacity is satisfactory.2. Under national and regional Spanish law, only the authorities in this Member State can designate protected areas.3. The regional authorities in Valencia announced, during a recent visit to the area by Commission staff, that hunting will no longer be permitted once the current hunting concession, which lasts ten years, comes to an end in February 1998.The Commission will check that this measure comes into force from that date.