EC/Comoros fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 28 February 2001 to 27 February 2004

The committee adopted the report by Fernando PÉREZ ROYO (PES, E) broadly approving the proposal subject to a few amendments (under the consultation procedure). The committee welcomed the changes envisaged by the new protocol, in particular the new emphasis on targeted measures. However, it was concerned that Parliament should be provided with better information to enable it to carry out its duties under the consultation procedure. It therefore introduced a number of new clauses stipulating that, before any agreement on renewal of the protocol, the Commission should submit to Parliament and Council a report on the measures which the authorities of Comores were required to provide in accordance implementation of the Agreement, including a cost benefit analysis, and a copy of the report on the targeted with the Protocol. Only after both these reports had been received and Parliament consulted would the Council authorise the Commission to enter into negotiations for adopting a new protocol. The committee also adopted an amendment calling for measures to protect the habitat of the Coelacanth, a unique "fossil" fish.�