Protection of deepwater coral reefs from the effects of trawling in an area north west of Scotland

PURPOSE : to protect the deepwater coral reefs from the effects of trawling in an area north west of Scotland ("Darwin Mounds"). LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 602/2004/EC amending Regulation 850/98/EC as regards the protection of deepwater coral reefs from the effects of trawling in an area north west of Scotland. CONTENT : the Council unanimously adopted this Regulation amending Regulation 850/98/EC as regards the protection of deep-water coral reefs from the effects of trawling in an area north west of Scotland. The proposal aimed at banning the use of bottom trawlers or similar towed nets in the defined area of the Darwin Mounts, to protect deep-water coral reefs from the effects of trawling. Council Regulation 850/98/EC establishes restrictions on the use of demersal towed gears. This Regulation is being amended as regards the area where vessels using bottom trawl or similar towed nets are prohibited. The initial area, located in the North-west of Scotland, and defined in the proposal has however been amended by the Council: it has been slightly reduced in the light of new scientific assessment on the north-west and north-east of the zone. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 23/08/2004.�