Community system for fishing licences

This proposal sought to introduce a Community system of fishing licences as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92 establishing a Community system for fisheries and aquaculture. It was based on the principle that each Member State administers the fishing activities of vessels flying its flag, with due respect for the relevant Community rules. For prior authorisations to fish, granted under existing individual Community fishing licence schemes, Member States would administer the licences with due respect for a Community procedure which would enable the Commission to ensure compliance with Community rules. Where national fishing licence schemes existed, it was proposed that Member States should notify the Commission of the fact. For fishing activities by Community vessels in third country waters under a fisheries agreement, it was proposed that following authorisation by a third country, the flag Member State should license the vessel concerned to engage in the activities in question. The Commission would, however, continue to administer the fishing licences of vessels flying third country flags and operating in Community fishing grounds. �