Technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources (16th amend. regul. 3094/86/EEC)

OBJECTIVE: To amend Regulation 894/97/EC laying down certain technical measures concerning fishing with driftnets by Community fishing vessels COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation (EC) 1239/98 amending Regulation (EC) 894/97 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources. SUBSTANCE: The regulation aims to contribute to the conservation and management of the oceans' biological resources by strictly regulating any expansion of drift-net fishing by Community vessels. The main points of the regulation are as follows: - the length of drift-nets is limited; - drift-nets are prohibited for fishing for tuna, swordfish and certain other species; - in view of the economic constrains on Community vessels, vessels may be authorised to continue fishing with drift-nets until 31 December 2001 under conditions where their use can be, and actually is, controlled; - the consequences of fishing using drift-nets must be subject to constant assessment; - the logbook data must be verified against the volume of landings, on which effective checks must be possible; - the Commission must be supplied with the information necessary for the supervision of the checks carried out by the Member States; - failure to comply with the regulation is subject to sanctions. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 24/06/1998. The regulation is applicable from 1/07/1998.�