The operation of Regulation (EC) No 1185/2003  on the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Rosa MIGUÉLEZ RAMOS (PSE, ES) on the Commission report on the removal of shark fins on board vessels. The resolution was adopted by 458 votes in favour to 58 against with 21 abstentions. Whilst congratulating the Commission on the clarity and conciseness of its report, Parliament regretted that not all the Member States are complying rigorously with their obligations in respect of both monitoring their vessels and forwarding the mandatory reports. It called on the Commission for the following:

- a proposal for amending Regulation 1185/2003/EC, following a comprehensive review by the Commission of scientific studies on shark fin to carcass ratios covering the wide range of European shark species and fishing fleets taking sharks. Until such a review is completed, no increases in the fin to carcass ratio should be proposed;

- a proposal for amending Regulation 1185/2003/EC in line with the majority of scientific analyses of shark fin to carcass ratios for Atlantic sharks, including the blue shark (Prionacea glauca), which conclude that a 5% fin to dressed weight (approximately 2.0% of live weight) ratio is an appropriate upper limit for mixed shark fisheries;

- a proposal for amendments to Regulation 1185/2003/EC, in order to address the enforcement difficulties created by the provision for the landing of fins and carcasses at separate ports;

- no later than 1 January 2009, a report on the continued operation of that Regulation, taking into account international developments in this field, and, if appropriate, to propose amendments to the Regulation;

- no later than 30 June 2007, a Community Plan of Action for the conservation of sharks and seabirds, as proposed in its Communication (COM(2006)0216) entitled 'Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and Beyond.