Protection of fauna: Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Programme AIDCP, conclusion by the European Community

PURPOSE : the Conclusion of an EU Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Programme.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision

CONTENT: In 1999 the Council authorised the signature of an Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Programme (AIDCP), the objective of which is the progressive reduction of incidental dolphin mortalities in the tuna purse-seine fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The aim being to reach zero levels through the setting of annual limits and the long-term sustainability of tuna stock in the Agreement Area. The AIDCP, however, has been applied on a provisional basis only until such time that the EU can become a member of its sister organisation, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The IATTC plays a vital role in co-ordinating the AIDCP. Since 1999, though, the EU has been unable to become a member of the IATTC, mostly thanks to technical reasons. In June 2003, the Kingdom of Spain became a member of the IATTC. An agreement has been struck with Spain that its participation would be in line with that of the Community position. Given that Spain is now a full member of the IATTC, the Commission is proposing this Council Decision to allow the Community to take the necessary procedures for it to conclude the AIDCP in full and assume its responsibilities/duties under that Agreement. Following the adoption of the Decision, the Community will deposit the instrument of approval with the Government of the Unites States of America, which is the Depository of the AIDCP.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT:

- Budget lines and headings: 11 03 02 / B78001: Contributions to international organisations;

11 03 03 / B78002: Preparatory work for new international fisheries organisations and other non-compulsory contributions to international organisations.

- Overall figures: Total allocation for action (Part B): open-ended action.

- Period of application: From 2005 onwards.

- Overall multiannual estimate of expenditure: This action does not entail obligatory spending other than the costs inherent to human resources.

- Overall financial impact of human resources and other administrative expenditure: A total of three permanent staff (1A, 1B and 1C) at a total cost of EUR 324 000.