Common fisheries policy: monitoring. Report 1995

OBJECTIVE: submission of the second report from the Commission on Monitoring the Common Fisheries Policy (1995). SUBSTANCE: the report complies with a formal obligation laid down by Article 35 of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 and with a vital need for transparency. The report is the second of its kind, and contains an overview of monitoring activities in 1995. It provides comprehensive reports on the monitoring systems in Finland and Sweden, which joined the Union in 1995, as well as consolidating and updating the first report. The Commission concludes that the adoption of an effective monitoring system, at all levels of responsibility, is a conditio sine qua non for the successful implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP). The further reduction of fleet capacity, the wider introduction of fishing effort limitations and the introduction of modern technologies for control purposes will ensure that inspection is as economical as possible. Against this background, the Commission notes that the conclusions of the first report remain valid. It adds that cooperation between Member States needs to be developed in the following areas: - greater transparency of inspection practices and effective and uniform application of Community rules; - better mutual understanding of fisheries enforcement in each Member State; - the intensification of operational cooperation among the coastal Member State, the flag Member State and, where appropriate, the Member State of landing, transit and marketing of fisheries products, in the inspection and monitoring of fishing activity and related activities; - the promotion by Member States of better communication and improved understanding among the national control authorities, the scientific community and the fishing industries; - coordination among Member States in the application of research and new technologies in the field of supervision. Against this background, the Commission will support any initiatives enhancing cooperation taken by Member States, including by the financing, on a priority basis, of projects in accordance with Decision 95/527/EC. Furthermore, the Commission will examine as soon as possible whether the current control provisions need to be reinforced and, where appropriate, it will propose amendments. �