Brussels, 15/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 7 June, the European Commission suggested extending until the end of December 2014 the derogation to the free access rule. The derogation allows member states to restrict fishing by some ships to 12 nautical miles of their base lines. The Commission says that the restrictions introduced by member states under this derogation have reduced pressure on fish in the most over-fished areas and helped ensure the economic stability of small-scale traditional coastline fishing.
The derogation runs from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2012. The continuation of the 12 nautical mile access system is foreseen under Article 6, paragraph 2, of the proposal for a new regulation for the common fisheries policy. In the event that the reform of the common fisheries policy is not concluded by the end of 2012, the Commission proposes extending the validity of the 12 nautical mile rule, in order to ensure that fishing can continue without interruption from 1 January 2013 onwards. (LC/transl.fl)