Fishery resources: transposal into Community law of control and technical measures adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation NAFO

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Luis Manuel CAPOULAS SANTOS (PES, PT) amending the proposal for a Council regulation laying down conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO). The report was adopted by 576 votes in favour to 17 against with 7 abstentions. The amendments incorporate any developments subsequent to the drawing up of the Commission text, which for reasons of timing, do not appear in the proposal. These include the provisions contained in the most recent regulation on total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas (Regulation (EC) No 41/2007 of 21 December 2006 fixing for 2007 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required).

The technical measures include provisions relating to minimum fish and mesh sizes, requirements relating to the collection of data and special provisions applicable to shrimp fishing.

The control measures include the establishment of a vessel-tracking satellite system and the requirement for vessels to carry impartial observers.

The supervision and inspection measures include the requirement for the contracting parties to accept a joint scheme for inspection at sea, including infringement procedures which they are required to implement.

The proposal also includes measures intended to ensure that vessels belonging to non-contracting parties which operate in NAFO waters and whose activities are regarded as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities shall abide by the NAFO rules.