Brussels, 09/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission is to adopt, by written procedure, its proposal allowing EU fishing boats to be sent to parts of Asia hit by the tsunami last December. This dossier will initially feature on the agenda of Wednesday's meeting of the College of Commissioners (EUROPE of 5 February, p.9).
From 2000 to 2003, 1433 EU boats were retired from service and destroyed to help in efforts to reduce capacities and to protect fish resources, according to data provided by the services of European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe Borg. These operations allowed fishermen to receive a premium for the destruction of their boats. Other boats (but far fewer) were exported to third countries instead of being broken up. However, since the decisions of December 2002 on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), aid to transferring boats to third countries has not been authorised since 1 January 2005. The Commission would therefore like to create a derogation to current rules of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) to reinstate this aid temporarily to allow European fishermen to give their boats to their Asian counterparts.
Only boats of under 12 metres less than 20 years old
It will be allowable to transfer EU boats until 30 June 2006 and will be limited to the Asian countries which fell victim to the tsunami in the Indian Ocean last December, under the Commission's draft. Only boats of less than 12 metres, making them closer to local standards, can be sent to Asia. Furthermore, the boats must be between 5 and 20 years old and be in perfect condition in terms of navigability and fully equipped for fishing activities. The Commission provides for an increase of 20% in the premium to compensate the owner. The premium will also be increased by 20% to cover the expenses of public or private organisations (appointed by the Member States) responsible for transferring the boats (cargo) into the Asian countries in question. The European Parliament will be able to return its opinion on this proposal at the next plenary session (21-24 February). The Fisheries Ministers of the Member States could also adopt the text on 28 February. According to the Commission, the first boats could reach the shores of the Indian Ocean by the early summer.
At the same time, the Commission is to adopt a decision allowing experts to be sent to assess the needs of local fishing communities. It is also thinking of giving these countries aid to build new boats and to set up naval yards.