Brussels, 17/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 April, the European Commission adopted a proposal to incorporate into Community law the conservation and enforcement measures adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO).
At the annual meeting held in Vigo, Spain, on 22-26 September 2008 and at an extraordinary meeting in May 2008, NAFO adopted a raft of amendments to conservation and enforcement measures. The following are the amendments adopted: - comprehensive measures to deal with bottom fishing activities following the adoption of resolution 61/105 by the General Assembly of the United Nations; - various conditions for the shrimp fishery in the regulatory area; - introduction of an additional closed area to protect vulnerable seamounts; - introduction of additional port state measures which effectively close European ports to landings or transhipments of fisheries products which have not been deemed legal by the flag state.
The Commission notes that these amendments were adopted with the support of the Community following consultation with member states and industry and non-governmental organisations. (L.C./transl.rt)