06/07/2020 (Agence Europe) – On 2 July, the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against France, Spain and Sweden, asking them to implement the measures required under the Habitats Directive and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to avoid “unsustainable by-catches of dolphin and porpoise species by fishing vessels”. “Despite evidence of these species being caught in fishing gear, the problem persists”, the Commission said. It highlights the fact that France, Spain and Sweden “have not taken sufficient action to monitor by-catches in their waters and by their fleets, nor made full use of the possibilities that the Common Fisheries Policy provides to comply with their obligation under the Habitats Directive and protect these species”. (LC)