Brussels, 02/05/2006 (Agence Europe) -The report by Heinz Kindermann (PES, Germany) was approved on 27 April in Brussels by 561 votes in favour, 15 against, with 5 abstentions. Some amendments were added to the draft directive which aims to update, reshape and consolidate the health rules applicable to the trade in aquaculture products (fish, molluscs and crustaceans). The objective of the proposal, presented in August 2005, is to improve the competitiveness of fish farms in the EU (EUROPE 9011). In 2004, aquaculture products represented more than € 2.5 billion but financial losses due to diseases are estimated at 20% of production value (€ 500 million).
Amendments adopted by the EP will help improve the transparency of the new legislation. By linking traceability and rules on compulsory registration, Member States will be allowed to adopt procedures for ensuring traceability of consignments. Animal health certification is required for deliveries to or from an area where a national control programme or control measures apply. Regulation of the procedure for declaring a zone or disease-free compartment will be made clearer and transposition of the directive will be postponed by 6 months to 30 June 2007.
By approving another report by Mr Kindermann, the EP approved the amendment to the 1990 decision on certain spending in the veterinary arena. This proposal allows for a Community contribution to veterinary measures to apply not only to terrestrial animals but also to aquatic animals. These modifications are essential for ensuring Member States receive financial support through the European Fisheries Fund (2007-13) that is sufficient for combating serious diseases that affect aquaculture animals. At present, financial support is only available for eradicating infectious salmon anaemia, also among salmon. According to the Commission the number of aquatic diseases to be eradicated and which receive Community funding should be extended.