WRITTEN QUESTION E-2516/02 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Illegal fishing for tuna with drift nets.
Date: 2002-09-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belize, application of EU law, fishing controls, fishing net, fishing regulations, flag of convenience, illicit trade, international waters

C 92 E/178

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

17.4.2003

Community fishermen have reported that vessels flying a flag of convenience have been found illegally
using drift nets in international waters this fishing year. According to these reports, the fisheries inspection
services were alerted and illegal fishing activities were detected on a vessel called the Albatross, which was
flying the Belize flag. Illegal gear was found in which cetaceans and other marine species had become
trapped.

Can the Council confirm that these reports are true?

Could it also provide all available information on the infringements committed to date in the current tuna
fishing year?

Is it aware of the existence of the Albatross and of its illegal activities?

Can it confirm what the vessel’s Flag State is and where its owners are from, and say where it lands it
catches?

What measures has it adopted or will it adopt with regard to the presumed illegal fishing activities carried
on by this vessel?

Reply

(19 December 2002)

The matter of the illegal fishing activities detected on a vessel called Albatross to which the Honourable
Member refers, has not been formally submitted to the Council.

In conformity with Council Regulation No 1936/2001 laying down control and inspection measures
relating to fishing for stocks of highly migratory fish, it is the responsibility of the Member States to
prohibit any landing of resources covered by an ICCAT conservation measure in force and to inform the
Commission of inspection findings. The Commission shall send this information as soon as possible to the
ICCAT Executive Secretariat.

In general, concerning the application of the Council Regulation No 1239/98 prohibiting the use of
driftnets, the Commission ensures the coordination and supervision of Member States’ compliance with
these obligations.

Regarding any further measures in order to prevent the illegal fishing activities, the Council is currently
examining the Commission Communication on the Community Action Plan for the eradication of illegal,
unreported and unregulated fishing, with a view to its adoption by the Council in the near future.

(2003/C 92 E/235)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2516/02

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Illegal fishing for tuna with drift nets

(10 September 2002)

Fishing for tuna with drift nets, or ‘nets of death’, has been banned in the EU since 1 January 2002, largely
thanks to the initiatives launched by the European Parliament.

Community fishermen have reported that vessels flying a flag of convenience have been found illegally
using drift nets in international waters this fishing year. According to these reports, the fisheries inspection
services were alerted and illegal fishing activities were detected on a vessel called the Albatross, which was
flying the Belize flag. Illegal gear was found in which cetaceans and other marine species had become
trapped.

17.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 92 E/179

Can the Commission confirm that these reports are true?

Could it also provide all available information on the infringements committed to date in the current tuna
fishing year?

Is it aware of the existence of the Albatross and of its illegal activities?

Can it confirm what the vessel’s Flag State is and where its owners are from, and say where it lands it
catches?

What measures has it adopted or will it adopt with regard to the presumed illegal fishing activities carried
on by this vessel?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 2002)

The Commission has been told about the fishing vessel Albatros II. Withdrawn from the Irish fleet register,
it is flying under the flag of Belize in order to carry out drift net fishing for albacore tuna outside
Community waters. The Commission has passed on its information to the International Commission for
the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

In line with ICCAT’s ad hoc recommendation the vessel has not been authorised to land its catches at
Community ports. At present the Commission does not know how it is disposing of its tuna catches.

The Commission and the relevant Member States are collaborating to monitor compliance with Regulation
(EC) No 1239/98 (1) introducing a prohibition on the use of drift nets by Community vessels to catch
highly migratory species. At this stage in the albacore fishing season in the North East Atlantic no
infringements have been detected.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1239/98 of 8 June 1998 amending Regulation (EC) No 894/97 laying down certain

technical measures for conservation of fishery resources, OJ L 171, 17.6.1998.

(2003/C 92 E/236)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2521/02

by Jens-Peter Bonde (EDD) to the Council

(11 September 2002)

Subject: Police wiretapping of Jyllands-Posten

Is it compatible with EU rules for the police to wiretap Jyllands-Posten and attempt to force a journalist to
reveal his sources?

Reply

(19 December 2002)

Whether a Member State is complying with its obligations under Community law is a matter for the
Commission.

In the case in question, responsibility for the application of measures to enforce the law or detect offences
lies with Member States.