Brussels, 08/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 8 June, the European Commission once again refused to grant any delay in compliance with Regulation 1967/2006 on the management of fish stocks in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. When the regulation came into force at the start of 2007, it provided for a long, gradual introduction period (until 31 May 2010) for a number of provisions. Last week, a large number of Greek and Italian fishermen demonstrated in protest against the coming into force of the European regulation, which applies to the EU's seven Mediterranean states (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Slovenia and Spain).
“I will see to it that the Mediterranean Regulation is strictly implemented. The transition period is over,” said Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, adding: “Member states have had over three years to get ready and comply with the rules. These are the rules that member states unanimously agreed to through a compromise in 2006, which had amended the more ambitious Commission proposal. It is difficult to accept that member states are not willing or able today to implement even the 2006 compromise. I am truly disappointed”.
More than 54% of the Mediterranean fish stocks which have been analysed by scientists have been found to be overfished. The Commission is concerned: - at the poor state of anchovy and sardine stocks in several zones; - at the overfishing, particularly of gurnard and sole, in the Mediterranean.
Some Greek and Italian fishermen claim that the regulation will threaten fishing for very popular Mediterranean specialities, such as the small shellfish which live close to the shore, known as “tellines” in French, small squid and the small fish which are served fried. The Commission says compliance with the new rules leaves much to be desired. Recent inspections by the Commission have revealed serious infringements of the rules with regard to minimum net sizes, minimum landing size of fish and other marine organisms, and other selectivity issues. Yet “all relevant provisions have been binding since the regulation came into force 3 years ago”, the Commission says. Moreover, member states have not fulfilled their obligations to submit management plans within the deadlines or designate additional fishing protected areas as required by the regulation. The Commission points out that the regulation allows a number of fishing practices to continue as long as scientific assessments show that the impact on species and habitats is acceptable and they are managed under a national plan.
The Commission urges member states to comply with the regulation. “In case of serious infringement, however, the Commission will have no choice but to take firm steps to ensure compliance,” it warns.
At the end of March, the Commission flagged up that it was not prepared to postpone the implementation of Regulation 1967/2006 (see EUROPE 10109). Italy had called for “pragmatic” implementation of a highly complex regulation on fisheries in the Mediterranean, given the difficulties its fishermen have in complying with the provisions on distance and minimum depth for the use of their fishing gear. (L.C./transl.rt)