Brussels, 14/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 11 September, the European Commission adopted a draft proposal that the Community is expected to defend during the next meetings at the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT). In compliance with Article 300, paragraph 2, line 2 of the EU Treaty, the positions the Community will or will not take in regional fisheries organisations (when they are called on to adopt decisions that have legal ramifications) must be taken by the Council of Ministers of the EU, voting at qualified majority on the Commission proposals.
The Commission is proposing that the European Community supports adoption of the following action by the CCSBT: stringent conservation and management measures for southern bluefin tuna, allowing for its long term sustainability and taking into account the best scientific advice available, through TAC and quota systems. Where necessary, specific measures for stocks which suffer from overfishing shall be considered in order to avoid any increase in fishing activities; measures to control fishing effort to ensure that it is commensurate with fishing opportunities available; the development and implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance measures, concerning inter alia an observer scheme and port state measures and enhanced measures to combat IUU activities. The European Community is a non-contractual member that has been cooperating in the CCSBT since 2007. (L.C./transl.rh)