Brussels, 19/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 19 September, the European Commission adopted a proposal allowing for a precise definition to be given for drift nets, for the very first time. This definition reads: “Drift net means any gillnet held on the sea surface or at a certain distance below it by floating devices, drifting with the current either independently or with the boat to which it may be attached. It may be equipped with devices aiming to stabilise the net and/or to limit its drifting”. This should contribute towards greater homogeneity in carrying out controls and prevent any counter-productive misunderstandings in the different regional advisory councils and debates by fisheries ministers. For the past two years negotiations on technical measures in the Mediterranean have given rise to lengthy discussion on whether, for example, “thonaille” fishing (a form of non-industrial blue fin tuna fishing specific to an area of France) should come within the category of drift nets, which have been banned since January 2002 for tuna fishing in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.