WRITTEN QUESTION E-1464/01 by Robert Goebbels (PSE) to the Commission. Illegal fishing in Mauritania's EEZ.
Date: 2001-05-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Mauritania, conservation of fish stocks, exclusive economic zone, fishing agreement, fishing controls, fishing regulations, international competition, restriction on competition

C 350 E/164

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.2001

(2001/C 350 E/175)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1464/01

by Robert Goebbels (PSE) to the Commission

(17 May 2001)

Subject: Illegal fishing in Mauritania(cid:146)s EEZ

I recently returned from a visit to Mauritania, where I met the country(cid:146)s Minister for Fisheries. Mr Zamel
complained bitterly that 30 to 40 boats regularly operate illegally inside the country(cid:146)s exclusive economic
zone. These vessels, most of which are from Asian countries, apparently use the Spanish port of Las
Palmas as a base, even to unload fish illegally caught in Mauritanian waters. These illegal fishermen would
therefore seem to be competing unfairly with European fishermen, who operate in the Mauritanian EEZ
within the framework of the existing fishery agreement.

Can the Commission confirm this information received in Mauritania? What steps does it intend to take to
stop this illegal trade and hence contribute to sustainable protection of Mauritania(cid:146)s fishery resources?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2001)

The Commission has not officially received information from Mauritania concerning illegal
operations by (cid:145)Asian boats(cid:146) in the Mauritanian exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

fishing

In the framework of the fisheries agreement between the Community and Mauritania, the Commission is
informed about
fisheries
enforcement and control within the Mauritanian EEZ are quite effective. The Commission has repeatedly
demonstrated its commitment to the sustainability of Mauritanian fisheries resources

the arrests of Community-flagged vessels. The Commission believes that

While there exists Community legislation in the control and enforcement area, its implementation is the
responsibility of the Member States. However, the activities of a third-country vessel in waters outside of
Community jurisdiction are not covered by such legislation. Moreover, Mauritania has not made any
approaches to the Community or, to its knowledge, to Spain concerning this matter. If such an approach
were made, it would have to be considered on its merits.

Moreover, it should be noted that both the Community and Mauritania have very recently expressed their
support for the adoption by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the (cid:145)International Plan of
Action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing(cid:146). This Plan indicates that
(cid:145)States should undertake comprehensive and effective monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of fishing
from its commencement, through the point of landing to final destination (cid:133)(cid:146).

(2001/C 350 E/176)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1467/01

by Guido Podest(cid:224) (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Alienation among the young (cid:129) an example in Italy

(17 May 2001)

The case of a double murder committed in Novi Ligure by an adolescent who killed his mother and young
brother has provoked shock and dismay. It happened in an apparently normal family, of a high cultural,
social and economic level, where care for the children seems to have taken priority over the parents(cid:146)
professional ambitions.

What is even more disturbing is the fact that this is not an isolated case. Such events raise questions about
the feeling of alienation increasingly affecting some teenagers which, as in this case, can lead to unheard-of
violence, regardless of the socio-economic background.