WRITTEN QUESTION E-0010/01 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Recreational sea angling.
Date: 2001-01-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, Structural Funds, common fisheries policy, conservation of fish stocks, recreational fishing, sea fishing

C 235 E/86

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.8.2001

(2001/C 235 E/091)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0007/01

by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Council

(18 January 2001)

Subject: European Defence and Security Policy and NATO

Do the decisions taken at Nice with regard to the European Defence and Security Policy look seemlessly
and coherently into the wider framework for defence and security policy already in place as part of NATO?

Reply

(14 May 2001)

In reply to the question raised by the Honourable Member, it can be recalled that the Presidency report
approved by the Nice European Council comprehensively deals with the relationship between the
European Security and Defence Policy and NATO, as did the previous reports to the European Council
on ESDP.

First of all, NATO remains the basis of the collective defence of its members and will continue to play an
important role in crisis management.

Secondly, the Council would remind the Honourable Member that in the progress report drawn up by the
Presidency and annexed to the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council it is established that the
European Union should have the autonomous capacity to take decisions and, where NATO as a whole is
not engaged, to launch and then conduct EU-led military operations in response to international crises in
support of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

The development of the ESDP will contribute to the vitality of a renewed Transatlantic link. This
development will also lead to a genuine strategic partnership between the EU and NATO in the manage-
ment of crises with due regard for the two organisations(cid:146) decision-making autonomy.

(2001/C 235 E/092)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0010/01

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Recreational sea angling

Sea anglers in the UK have been faced with diminishing catches over the past 10 years.

Does the Commission have any plans to implement measures to give more recognition to these anglers, in
particular as recognition of the employment they provide and the contribution they make to the economy?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 2001)

The general objectives of fisheries conservation policy are to protect and conserve available and accessible
living marine aquatic resources, and to provide for rational and responsible exploitation on a sustainable
basis. A number of fish stocks have been declining while efforts and investments have been made to
conserve stocks, improve the environment, strengthen competitiveness, and add value. Furthermore, it is
recognised that many coastal areas, particularly those dependent on fisheries, suffer from socio-economic
weakness and one of the main aims of fisheries structural policy is to contribute to the revitalising of areas
dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.

21.8.2001

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 235 E/87

fishing and sea angling are activities which can contribute to the economic benefit of
Recreational
communities and as such have been supported by Community Structural Funds through financial support
for fishing tourism, hatcheries for restocking, stock enhancement schemes, vessel reconversions, improved
port facilities, and studies. These types of projects may be cofinanced in the future with the support of
Community Structural Funds.

It should also be noted that in Article 2 of the basic Council Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92 of 20 December
1992 establishing a Community system for fisheries and aquaculture (1), Member States shall ensure that
non-commercial activities do not jeopardize the conservation and management of resources covered by the
common fisheries policy.

(1) OJ L 389, 31.12.1992.

(2001/C 235 E/093)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0013/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Mussel farming in the EU

Mussel farming is of vital importance in the coastal region of Galicia, where there are some 11 500 jobs
directly linked to the sector, of which 8 500 are permanent, as well as 7 000 jobs indirectly related to it.
This is particularly important, bearing in mind that the resources generated by mussel production are
spread across a broad social base and that decisions are taken locally, with the result that funds are
reinvested in the region. This has a multiplier effect on the local economy, helping to produce socio-
economic stability.

As far as aquaculture in general is concerned it is mussel farming which is the backbone of the sector,
since between 250 and 300 million kilos of mussels are cultivated annually in Galicia, making it the
world(cid:146)s second largest producer after China and the leading European producer, accounting for 50 % of
total EU production, with 35 % being sold fresh, 41 % earmarked for traditional processing and 24 % for
new alternative processing methods, which are increasingly popular.

The mussel farming management board in Galicia has already applied for a protected designation of origin
(PDO) for this product, which would serve as a world-wide standard since it would be the first ever
awarded to a seafood product.

Is the Commission aware of the importance of this sector to Galicia, together with the aid measures
devoted to it in recent years?

Is it aware of the PDO application for Galician mussels and what measures will it take to support it?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 2001)

The Commission is fully aware of mussel farming(cid:146)s socio-economic importance in Galicia. Since Spain
joined the Community, the sector has received substantial assistance (cid:129) particularly in the form of
structural aid (cid:129) under the common fisheries policy.

The name (cid:145)Mejillones de galicia(cid:146) (Galician mussels) could be protected subject to compliance with the
procedures laid down by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the protection of
indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), which
geographical
stipulates that a protected designation of origin (PDO) or a protected geographical indication (PGI) may be