Brussels, 21/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 24 March, the Council is expected to adopt without debate a decision sanctioning three third countries (Belize, Cambodia and Guinea Conakry) which have been too complacent towards illegal, undeclared and unregulated fishing. These countries, which have been included on a list of countries which are non-cooperative in fisheries matters, will be sanctioned by commercial measures: fishing products caught by vessels flying the three countries' flags will be banned from being imported into the EU. EU vessels will have to stop fishing in these waters. Other forms of cooperation, such as joint fishing operations or fisheries agreements with these countries, will no longer be possible.
Spain asked for this dossier to be discussed at the Fisheries Council of Monday 24 March. The Spanish delegation is not contesting the decision directly targeting the trade in fisheries products and other activities related to fishing with Belize, Cambodia and Guinea. Spain wishes to draw the Council's attention to the fact that it is the country with the greatest interests in this matter (it is a major importer of these products). The country wishes to remain a driving force in the fight against illegal fishing, but has concerns over the way in which the Commission has taken these measures. In future, Spain would like to see a more transparent dialogue procedure and the use of other measures to prevent illegal fishing. It also calls for the countries of the EU to have greater involvement in the process and for better coordination between the trade measures of the EU countries.
Sandeel and mackerel. The Council could reach an agreement on establishing a TAC (total allowable catch) for sandeel for 2014. This issue is of particular importance for Denmark, the main player in the sandeel fishing zones. This is a short-lived species and the fishing season is to open on 1 April. Scientific opinions on this stock are generally not available until shortly before the fishing season starts. This year, the scientific opinions for 2014 were published on 28 February, which left very little time to draw up and adopt a specific decision. In December 2012, the Council called on the Commission to submit individual TAC proposals for every short-lived species, such as sandeel.
The Commission will report back to the Council on the agreement on mackerel in the north-east Atlantic, which was concluded in London on 12 March between the EU, the Faroe Isles and Norway for a period of five years (see EUROPE 11039 and 11038). Iceland has not yet come on board, but the provisions of the agreement provide the option for another coastal state to join in. Iceland has not yet responded. (LC)