WRITTEN QUESTION E-2810/02 by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission. North Sea gill net fishery.
Date: 2002-10-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: North East (England), North Sea, Norway, application of EU law, derogation from EU law, economic region, fishery management, fishing net, fishing regulations

12.6.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 137 E/123

(2003/C 137 E/140)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2810/02

by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission

(7 October 2002)

Subject: North Sea gill net fishery

Norwegian legislation implementing the EU/Norway Agreement on technical measures for 2002 in the
North Sea is currently in place, and that legislation provides that the Norwegians may apply their 148 mm
gill net rule outside the Norwegian four-mile zone. Fishermen from the north-east of England are
extremely concerned that they must apply that rule from the shore and believe that their livelihoods are
threatened as a result of this.

Could the Commission comment on the possibility that a derogation for EC inshore fishermen similar to
that for Norwegian fishermen will be adopted in the near future?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2002)

In a meeting between the Commission and Norway of 21 June 2001, Norway informed the Community of
their intention to enact legislation requiring a minimum mesh size of static gears of 148 mm when fishing
for cod, haddock, saithe, plaice ling, pollack and hake in the Norwegian Economic Zone. Similarly,
the Community informed Norway of their intention to enact legislation requiring a minimum mesh size of
static gears of 140 mm when fishing for cod in Community waters of the North Sea. This does not
constitute an agreement with Norway but is a simple exchange of information on the respective positions
of the two parties.

it excludes reference to the zone
Since Norway’s position refers to the Norwegian Economic Zone,
extending four miles from Norwegian baselines since the latter is not included in the Economic Zone.
Norway has informed the Commission that there are no rules defining mesh sizes to be used in static gears
when fishing for cod etc. within this region. This is Norway’s decision and it lies within their legal
competence to take such a position.

The Commission is reluctant to propose that the Norwegian situation should be mirrored in Community
law in which the mesh size of 140 mm,
in Community waters and,
of course, is applicable to Norwegian fishing activity within these waters.

is applicable ‘up to the beach’

However, the Commission is concerned that the lack of Norwegian Regulation may result in fishing
practices which are deleterious for North Sea cod and it intends to raise this matter in this year’s
consultations with Norway on the management of joint fish stocks.

(2003/C 137 E/141)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2814/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(7 October 2002)

Subject: Fleet reductions in third countries

The proposed CFP reform adopted by the Commission envisages the scrapping of 8 000 vessels and the
loss of 28 000 fishermen’s jobs. The Commission justifies these massive cuts on the basis of the difficult
situation of fishing stocks.

However, responsible fishing and preservation of stocks need to be international commitments, and it
would be of little use for the Community to adopt drastic measures if other ‘fishing powers’ do not adopt
the same approach.