WRITTEN QUESTION P-1120/02 by Heinz Kindermann (PSE) to the Commission. EU support for promotion and use of environmentally friendly fishing methods and technologies.
Date: 2002-04-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, by-catch, fishery research, fishing net, fishing regulations, marine mammal, protection of animal life

C 229 E/182

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

26.9.2002

(2002/C 229 E/209)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1120/02

by Heinz Kindermann (PSE) to the Commission

(15 April 2002)

Subject: EU support for promotion and use of environmentally friendly fishing methods and technologies

Every year thousands of small cetaceans (porpoises and dolphins) are caught and killed as ‘by-catches’ in
the course of fishing activities. This is one of the greatest threats to stocks of these creatures. The species
concerned are listed in Annex IV(a) to Council Directive 92/43/EEC (1) on the conservation of natural
habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and are thus strictly protected.

What measures has the Commission taken since 1994 to induce EU fishermen to use environmentally
friendly fishing methods, in particular those needed to reduce or eliminate by-catches of cetaceans, and
what results or improvements have been achieved in consequence?

In the area of the common agricultural policy farmers are granted subsidies under agri-environmental
measures if they meet environmental obligations going above and beyond the needs of good agricultural
practice. The subsidy is paid annually and calculated on the basis of the loss of revenue and additional
costs arising from these efforts, with the need for a financial incentive also being borne in mind.

Does the Commission consider that similar measures in the fisheries sector, for example to reduce or
eliminate by-catches of cetaceans, would serve a useful purpose? Does the Commission plan to take such
measures, and if so, when and to what extent?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2002)

As far as measures to reduce or eliminate by-catches of cetaceans are concerned, the Commission has
proposed to ban fishing with drift-nets for highly migratory fish. This resulted in the adoption of Council
Regulation (EC) No 1239/98 of 8 June 1998, amending Regulation (EC) No 849/97 laying down certain
technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources (1).

More importantly, the Commission has encouraged, including by direct funding, the carrying out of studies
aiming at a better protection of small cetaceans against by-catch. This has resulted in a number of new
ideas such as acoustic deterrents and gear designs, which are now promising avenues by which by-catch
can be reduced. The Commission has also granted financial aid in the framework of LIFE to induce higher
protection to small cetaceans.

Following scientific and technical advice which will be made available shortly, the Commission intends to
propose new Community legislation aiming at the alleviation of by-catch of cetaceans. Whether the
measures proposed will have financial consequences will depend very much on the scope and nature of the
technical specifications recommended by scientists. The Commission is ready to examine the need for or
the appropriateness of public funding for the efficient implementation of such measures.

(1) OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.