WRITTEN QUESTION E-0501/01 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Acoustically reflective gillnets.
Date: 2001-02-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: by-catch, common fisheries policy, fishing net, innovation, marine mammal, protection of animal life, signalling device

C 261 E/128

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2001)

The Commission welcomes the decision taken by the Italian and French governments with regard to the
Lyon (cid:129) Torino Alpine crossing project and would in fact favour of an accelerated implementation of the
project. This project having been identified in the transport trans-European network (TEN) Guidelines as
project of common interest and, on top of this, forming part of the 14 transport TEN projects endorsed as
priority by the European Council at Essen, the Commission is committed to promoting this project to the
best of its ability. Particular attention is being given in this respect to the planned Mont Cenis base tunnel
which would connect both Member States involved.

Lyon (cid:129) Torino will not remain the only Alpine crossing railway project of the trans-European transport
network. The Brenner project, linking M(cid:252)nchen and Verona and involving a base tunnel under the Brenner
pass comparable in scope, technical features and cost to that under the Mont Cenis, deserves the same
degree of attention. This project also being included in the list of (cid:145)Essen projects(cid:146), the Commission has
already granted significant political and financial support in past years, and taken a number of initiatives to
facilitate co-operation amongst the parties involved. The Commission notes with satisfaction that, thanks
to the commitment of the Member States concerned (i.e. Italy and Austria in particular) and with the
Commission(cid:146)s support, noticeable progress was made in the last few years with the technical studies for the
Austrian Inn Valley section (now ready for construction) and with the preparation of the Brenner base
tunnel. The setting up of the (cid:145)Brenner Base Tunnel European economic interest grouping (EEIG)(cid:146) at the end
of 1999 has provided for an efficient execution of technical, environmental, geological, financial and
economic studies. These studies now being well under way, their completion is envisaged for around
2006/2007. The Commission is paying particular attention to enquiries into alternative financing concepts
for the financing of the Brenner project, which are about to be launched, and provides appropriate
assistance in this respect. These activities show in the Commission(cid:146)s view that the Italian government
remains fully committed to the Brenner project.

(2001/C 261 E/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0501/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 February 2001)

Subject: Acoustically reflective gillnets

In order to prevent cetacean bycatch, scientists in the USA have invented an acoustically reflective gillnet
which reflects audio signals in the range that small cetaceans can hear. Is this Commission aware of this?

When these nets were tested in the USA and Canada, fishermen reported a significant reduction in levels of
bycatch.

Given the large numbers of small marine animals that are caught in gillnets in European waters, does the
Commission intend to support the testing of these types of gillnets within the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 2001)

The Commission is aware of this kind of acoustically reflective gillnet and information on the results of
preliminary tests has also been made available to the Directorate general Environment and Directorate
general Fishery through the Bristol report of the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the
Baltic and North Seas (Ascobans).

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/129

The Commission is willing to support, as has been done up until now and provided that they pass the
external peer review, all scientifically sound research proposals which aim to identify possible technical
improvements to fisching gear to mitigate incidental catches of small cetaceans.

For the time being, the Commission has not received any formal proposal either within the so called
(cid:145)Biological studies(cid:146) or within the 5th Research and Technological Development Framework Programme.

However, as regards the possibility of testing such fishing gear in Community waters, the Community
established a Community framework for the collection and management of the data needed to conduct the
common fisheries policy (1). Article 9 of Council Decision 2000/439/EC of 29 June 2000 on a financial
contribution from the Community towards the expenditure incurred by Member States in collecting data,
and for financing studies and pilot projects for carrying out the common fisheries policy (2) foresees the
spheres of activity which may be covered for studies and pilot projects.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000 (OJ L 176, 15.7.2000).
(2) OJ L 176, 15.7.2000.

(2001/C 261 E/138)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0503/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 February 2001)

Subject: EU-wide (cid:145)scams(cid:146) against the consumer

Is the Commission aware of letters being sent to the recently bereaved in some Member States from
addresses in Italy, Holland, France and Switzerland purporting to provide through (cid:145)lunar magic(cid:146) such
services as (cid:145)hypnotelepathic transmission treatment(cid:146), and (cid:145)four months of luck(cid:146), for a payment of £39.

What arrangements exist, or does the Commission intend to establish, to enable it to liase with the police
and trading standards officers in Member States, with a view to sharing information about EU-wide frauds
and planning concerted action?

In the view of the Commission, does the provision of (cid:145)four months of luck(cid:146) at a cost of £39, represent
good value for money for the consumer?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2001)

The Commission is not aware of the specific practice mentioned and is grateful for this having been
brought to its attention.

The International Marketing Supervision Network (IMSN) brings together national consumer protection
enforcement bodies from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries
to share information and plan concerted action. A sub-group of the IMSN has been established to bring
together enforcement bodies from the Community. The Commission has also established a network for the
exchange of information between the national enforcement bodies in the Community. Its forthcoming
communication on co-operation on consumer protection enforcement will make policy proposals to
reinforce co-operation between Community enforcement bodies to address practices such as this.