Brussels, 21/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 20 November, the European Commission adopted a proposal on fishing opportunities in 2008 for boats fishing in the Black Sea. This proposal involves Romania and Bulgaria, countries that entered the EU on 1st January 2007. The Council of Ministers of the EU is expected to reach an agreement on this proposal very soon, perhaps even at next week's meeting (26-27 November).
Catch limits. The Commission is proposing a total allowable catch (TAC) of 90 tonnes in 2008 (45 tonnes for Romania and the same for Bulgaria). The other TAC is on sprat (15,000 tones for the boats from both countries).
Technical measures. The Commission is also proposing technical measures on turbot fishing methods: no fishing activities in Community waters of the Black Sea between 15 April and 15 June; the minimum size for gillnets used for turbot fishing is 200 millimetres (nonetheless the minimum size for gillnets used by Bulgarian fishermen fishing for turbot is 180mm); the minimum size for landing turbot is 45cm.
The Commission is encouraging cooperation in the area of fishing activities with countries neighbouring the Black Sea. Possibilities for setting up a regional fishing organisation are currently being examined. (L.C.)