WRITTEN QUESTION E-1648/01 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Support for fishermen and shipowners during periods of biological rest or inability to fish due to bad weather.
Date: 2001-06-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: State aid, common fisheries policy, conservation of fish stocks, traditional fishing

20.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 364 E/167

The figures which the Honourable Member quotes in his question are merely working hypotheses among
many. At the appropriate stage the budgetary authority will be responsible for determining the amount of
the appropriations allocated to the specific action programme and, for its part, in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Articles 36 and 37 (ex Articles 42 and 43) of the EC Treaty the Community
legislature will be responsible for determining how those appropriations are to be divided between Spain
and Portugal.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 laying down the detailed rules and arrangements

regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector (OJ L 337, 30.12.1999).

(2) Point 59 of the Presidency conclusions.

(2001/C 364 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1648/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Support for fishermen and shipowners during periods of biological rest or inability to fish due to

bad weather

In Portugal, where small-scale coastal fishing plays an extremely important role for fishing communities
which largely depend on it, fishing trips are sometimes made impossible for various reasons. Fishermen
and owners (of small coastal fishing vessels) do not receive any financial aid during such periods, making it
difficult for these fishing communities to survive.

Storms and poor sea conditions are of particular significance during long periods in the winter, together
with biological rest periods to protect stocks, particularly as regards sardines in the north and fishing for
bivalves using dredges in the Algarve.

Even though this year, by way of exception, fishermen have been granted the right to some degree of
support as regards biological rest periods, the problem will arise again in the future.

The Commission:

1.

Is it aware of the above circumstances and the socio-economic difficulties which they cause for
fishermen and small shipowners?

2. What measures will it take to provide financial support for such fishermen and shipowners where they
are obliged to suspend fishing activities, either due to storms or during periods of biological rest to
protect stocks?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2001)

The Commission is aware of the circumstances referred to by the Honourable Member. Rules in fact exist
under which Member States may provide assistance for shipowners and fishermen affected by the
temporary cessation of fishing activities as a result of unforeseeable events or plans to re-establish stocks
that are under threat.

Article 16(1)(a) and (c) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 laying down the
detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector (1)
provides for the following measures and for the period they are to apply:

The Member States may grant compensation to fishermen and owners of vessels for the temporary
cessation of activities in the following circumstances:

(a)

in the event of unforeseeable circumstances, particularly those caused by biological factors; the
granting of compensation may last for no more than two months per year or six months over the
entire period from 2000 to 2006. The management authority shall forward suitable scientific
proof to the Commission in advance;

C 364 E/168

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.12.2001

(b) (cid:133)

(c) where a plan is introduced for the recovery of a resource threatened with exhaustion, decided by
the Commission or by one or some Member States; the granting of compensation may last for no
more than two years and may be extended by a further year.

Measures as indicated above may be implemented in the context of the relevant structural programmes,
once a decision has been taken by the management authority of the Member State concerned.

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999.

(2001/C 364 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1654/01

by Prof. Sir Neil MacCormick (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Animal welfare and foie gras

(12 June 2001)

Is it the Commission(cid:146)s opinion that the production of foie gras by forcefeeding is compatible with any
reasonable conception of animal welfare? Does the Commission contemplate taking any action on the
basis of its opinion on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2001)

The production of foie gras is an accepted and traditional practice in some Member States.

In the Community, Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 (1) establishes the main principles for the
protection of all species of animal kept for farming purposes, including those kept for the production of
foie gras.

Two recommendations for the protection of ducks and geese bred for the production of foie gras were
adopted in June 1999 in the framework of the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for
farming purposes.

The recommendations state that the production of foie gras shall be carried out only where it is current
the competent authorities shall monitor this type of production to ensure the
practice and that
the Parties to the
the recommendations. The recommendations also state for
implementation of
Convention to inform the Standing Committee annually of the results obtained and measures taken to
improve housing and management procedures and to control the production.

The Member States, all of which are contracting parties to the Convention, are expected to give effect to
the recommendations. In addition the Commission will encourage the development of systems for feeding
ducks that are less problematic for the welfare of the animals. At present the Commission does not
envisage any proposals to oblige changes in feeding practices.

(1) OJ L 221, 8.8.1998.

(2001/C 364 E/186)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1655/01

by Pere Esteve (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 June 2001)

Subject: Double fiscal deficit in the Balearic Islands

According to recent reports presented in the regional parliament of
the Balearic Islands, Spanish
government revenue in the region in 1999 stood at PTE 875 047 million, while national government
expenditure was PTE 570 873 million. The fiscal deficit of the Balearic Islands vis-(cid:224)-vis the Spanish state
was, therefore, PTE 304 174.