WRITTEN QUESTION P-2215/00 by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Ban on Russian klonddykers.
Date: 2000-06-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Russia, common fisheries policy, fishing rights

C 89 E/164

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.3.2001

(2001/C 89 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2215/00

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 June 2000)

Subject: Ban on Russian klonddykers

Is the Commission aware of the fact that 24 Russian klonddykers are currently operating near Rockall west
of the 15 degree line? Those vessels, all over 200 feet long, are fishing for haddock and seriously
endangering stocks for years to come.

Can the Commission take immediate action to protect fish stocks in the waters around Rockall by asking
the North Eastern Atlantic Fisheries Commission to introduce emergency conservation measures which will
effectively ban Russian klonddykers from the area before they cause an ecological disaster? In view of the
wide range of conservation measures put in place by the Commission, it is vital that the NEAFC intervene
to protect haddock stocks.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(24 July 2000)

The Commission is fully aware that Russian fishing vessels are operating in international waters adjacent to
Rockall Bank and is concerned about possible effects of this fishery on the stock of haddock which
inhabits this area.

The Commission has already raised this issue within the North Eastern Atlantic Fisheries Commission and
will continue to pursue it with the utmost vigour with the intention of ensuring rational exploitation of
this fish stock.

(2001/C 89 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2218/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Subject: Frost damage to grapevines in the Nemea region of Corinthia

On 4 May 2000, an unseasonable frost caused severe damage to vineyards in the Nemea region of
Corinthia. The damage will affect not only this year(cid:146)s production but also subsequent crops as the vines
themselves have been attacked. The damage will also have serious repercussions for the wine industry in
the region, which produces wine of exceptional quality, the name Nemea having gained recognition as a
registered designation of origin. Can the region(cid:146)s producers receive aid to compensate for the damage to
their crops and means of production, pursuant to the Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture
sector applicable for the period 2000-2006 (1)? When should aid be applied for and what procedures
should be followed?

(1) OJ C 28, 1.2.2000.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

In line with point 11.3. of the Community guidelines for state aid in the agriculture sector (1), the
Commission does not consider that adverse weather such as frosts (even if unusually severe) can be classed
as natural disasters within the meaning of Article 87(2)(b) of the EC Treaty (formerly Article 92). However,
such occurrences can be treated as on a par with natural disasters if the degree of damage reaches a
stipulated threshold (20 % in the less-favoured areas and 30 % in other regions).