The compromise text between the EU institutions on restrictions on access to waters for fishing vessels includes, in a declaration by the European Commission and the European Parliament, the possibility of technical measures for demersal seines.
During the negotiations on this text, the European Parliament called for a ban on the use of demersal seines near the French coast (Hauts-de-France and Normandy). The European Parliament’s amendment was rejected by the EU Council, which instead accepted this statement (https://aeur.eu/f/3lw ).
The Commission and the Parliament “take note” of the situation of fisheries in the Channel and “the concerns raised by local and regional fisheries stakeholders, including fishers, regarding the use of demersal seines by numerous vessels”.
Member States are invited to submit joint recommendations. The Commission will then present, if appropriate, “technical measures, based on consultations of stakeholders and an assessment by the relevant scientific bodies including an assessment of socio-economic impacts”.
In this respect, the Commission will ensure that funding is available for research and scientific advice.
The text extends the restrictions on access to EU waters for ten years (see EUROPE 13033/8).
Link to the compromise text, which still needs to be adopted by the EU Council and the Parliament: https://aeur.eu/f/3lx (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)