Luxembourg, 23/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Fisheries ministers from EU member states held an orientation debate in Brussels on Tuesday 23 June, where they discussed the recasting of the fisheries control system. Several member states criticised some of the Commission's ideas, such as the reduction in member state quotas in the event of committing serious infringements, the harmonisation of sanctions and the system of penalty points, the installation of electronic equipment aboard ship and the strengthening of the Community fisheries inspection agency's powers. The date for the implementation of the regulation (1 January 2010) appears to be too close at hand for many member states. The objective is still obtaining an agreement at the Council before the end of the Swedish presidency. The Commission has also informed member states that the blue fin tuna fishing season took place without any problems. The end of the fishing season (15 June for purse seiners) and quotas were respected. (L.C./transl.rh)