Conservation of resources: specific access requirements to fishing for deep-sea stocks

The committee adopted the report by Michael HOLMES (IND, UK) broadly approving the Commission proposal, subject to a few amendments under the consultation procedure. MEPs urged that two species, ling and tusk, not be included in the proposal, arguing that they are usually caught on the continental shelf and thus do not qualify as deep-sea stocks. They also disagreed with the Commission's proposed rule requiring vessels to stop fishing and return to port if the satellite tracking equipment used to monitor their activities breaks down, arguing that it was impractical and unfair to force vessels to return home from the high seas. Lastly, an amendment called for a general revision of the Regulation no later than 3 years after its entry into force, on the grounds that, given the lack of available scientific data on deep-sea species and their habitats, the regulation should be revised on a regular basis so as to incorporate the latest and best available scientific advice. �