Empowering France to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles

The European Parliament adopted by 658 votes to 2, with 4 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council empowering France to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles.

Under this decision, France is entitled to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles, done at Caracas on 1 December, 1996.

The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading by amending the Commission's proposal.

According to the amended text, France should inform the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of its accession to the Convention. France should consult the Commission and relevant stakeholders, in particular local stakeholders, on positions related to decisions, measures and recommendations taken under the Convention and regularly inform the Commission of the adoption of such decisions, measures and recommendations.

The European Parliament can invite the Commission to keep it informed of the decisions, measures and recommendations taken under the Convention. France should also make its annual report referred to in Article XI of the Convention available to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

This decision is without prejudice to any right or obligation of France arising from accession to the convention with regard to the French overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as well as their waters.

It is noted that certain French outermost regions that are situated within the area of application of the Convention, such as French Guiana, are exposed to illegal fishing activities which result in the incidental capture of large numbers of sea turtles. Cooperation with neighbouring countries is required in order to safeguard these protected species and to ensure the integrity of their habitats. Such cooperation would be facilitated by joining the Convention.