Brussels, 16/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - As previously announced (see EUROPE 11568), the Council of the EU adopted a decision without debate on Thursday 16 June removing Sri Lanka from the list of non-cooperating third countries in tackling illegal fishing activities.
The decision notes the measures taken by Sri Lanka to adopt a legal framework for fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including: - putting in place a monitoring, control and inspection scheme by introducing logbooks to record catch data; - equipping the entire high seas fleet with vessel monitoring system (VMS); - creation of a deterrent sanctioning system; - revision of its fisheries legal framework; - proper implementation of the catch certification scheme.
The decision will come into effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU and will bring an end to the trade measures taken against Sri Lanka (ban on importing fisheries products originating in Sri Lanka into the EU). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)