Protection of deep-water coral reefs from the effects of fishing in certain areas of the Atlantic Ocean

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Sérgio RIBEIRO (GUE/NGL, PT) making some amendments to the proposal:

- the prohibition on "vessels using any bottom trawl or similar towed nets operating in contact with the bottom of the sea" is replaced by a ban on "the use of fishing gear likely to cause actual damage to coral reefs and their habitats, in particular bottom trawl, bottom set gillnets or similar towed nets operating in contact with the bottom of the sea";

- Regional Advisory Councils must be consulted in the implementation of the Regulation;

- The details of the prohibition and the definition of coordinates contained in the Regulation must be reviewed, in the light of new scientific information available, two years after its entry into force;

- By 31 December 2005 the Commission is to present a report assessing the conservation status of other areas of similarly sensitive deep water habitats in EU waters.