Brussels, 25/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Fisheries Ministers of the Member States of the EU reached a unanimous political agreement in Brussels on Monday afternoon, on a proposal modifying the 1999 rules on structural aid in the fishing sector. These changes are designed, amongst other things, to reflect the new strategy on aquaculture, which was decided upon in the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Council also planned for an increase in aid to boats whose activities are affected by plans to replenish stocks of endangered species, and make costs to purchase acoustic devices to deter small cetaceans.
Aquaculture: the agreement provides for aid to shellfish farmers obliged to suspend their harvest for over four months due to the presence of toxic algae. The aid could also be paid in case of contamination over shorter periods, but as long as the losses incurred by the companies representing over 35% of their annual turnover, as requested by France. The new rules also allow applied research to be financed as well as technological development projects in favour of aquaculture. The Council decided to reduce the minimum rate of public support for the construction of intensive aquaculture enterprises, from 60 to 50% in regions eligible under Objective 1 and from 40 to 30% in the other regions. On the other hand, public support has increased fro extensive companies, from 60 to 70% in Objective 1 regions and from 40 to 50% in the others.
Plans for reconstitution of echo-sounders: Aid for the replacement of nets may be paid to vessels affected by reconstitution plans. Also, the amount of compensation granted to fishermen forced to stop their activities because their ships are to be dismantled may be increased. Finally, the Council decided that spending for the purchase of acoustic devices to move small cetacean away will be eligible to Community support, in compliance with the commitment taken by the Commission in March when measures were adopted to reduce accidental catches of cetacean (EUROPE of 24 March 2004).