WRITTEN QUESTION E-1800/01 by Bernard Poignant (PSE) to the Commission. Scientific studies into the unintentional catching of marine mammals.
Date: 2001-06-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, by-catch, environmental statistics, marine mammal, protection of animal life, scientific research

20.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 364 E/209

2. Have steps been taken to ensure that Greek framework legislation regarding broadcasting is in line

with Community legislation and the provisions of the Treaties?

3. What action will the Commission take to bring to an end the illegal tactics being followed by the

national broadcasting authority in revoking licences and undermining media plurality?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 2001)

The Commission recently received a complaint regarding the system of licensing of radio stations in the
Attica basin. The Commission is in the course of examining this complaint and has asked the Greek
authorities to provide them with additional information. Since the case presents a rather complex situation,
it is too early to say yet whether the actions taken by the Greek government are consistent or not with
European law. The Commission attaches great importance to the creation of a single broadcasting market
within the Community and will pay due attention to this case.

(2001/C 364 E/229)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1800/01

by Bernard Poignant (PSE) to the Commission

(19 June 2001)

Subject: Scientific studies into the unintentional catching of marine mammals

Every year, the general public becomes incensed when it sees dolphins stranded on European beaches.
Most times, if not every time, their demise is caused by the use of pelagic trawls.

Figures abound: some people speak of thousands of dolphins stranded every year, 80 % of which present
injuries caused by pelagic trawls.

Have any scientific studies been drawn up which would confirm those figures? If not, does the
Commission intend to commission such studies and finance them?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2001)

The Commission is well aware of the problem of incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries activities.
Indeed, the Commission has financially supported several research projects and studies, tackling the issue
of interaction among marine mammals (mainly cetaceans) and fishing activities, which led to illumination
of the perceived problems.

Nonetheless, the Commission is unable to find any authoritative text which indicates that 80 % of stranded
dolphins have been caused by pelagic trawl. If, however, such a reference exists the Commission would be
grateful to be made aware of it.

The Commission is always open to support scientific investigation that could further enlighten the matter.
In particular, research proposals on cetaceans, provided that the science is good, could be eligible within
the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Programme, key action 5 (cid:145)Sustainable Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, and Integrated Development of Rural Areas including Mountain Areas(cid:146), of the Fifth
framework programme for Research and Technological Development of
the Community (http://
www.cordis.lu/life/). The deadline for last call for proposals is 18 October 2001.

Research proposals in relation to marine biodiversity loss, including cetaceans, could also be considered
within the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme, key action 3 (cid:145)Sustainable
Mar(cid:237)ne Ecosystems(cid:146) as well as within the Infrastructure action line of the same Programme (Environment
and Sustainable development)(http://www.cordis.lu/fp5/src/calls.htm).