51996AC0416

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 1626/94 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean` ()

(96/C 174/11)

On 29 January 1996 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 7 March 1996. The Rapporteur was Mr Muñiz Guardado.

At its 334th Plenary Session (meeting of 27 March 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 63 votes to 6 with 7 abstentions.

The Committee approves the Commission proposal which it believes will promote a rational fisheries policy in keeping with resources.

Done at Brussels, 27 March 1996.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER

() OJ No C 41, 13. 2. 1996, p. 17.

APPENDIX to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee

The following amendment, drawn up on the basis of the Section Opinion, was rejected in the debate:

'Add a new point reading as follows:

' However, the Committee recommends that the start of the ban be moved back by 15 days, and that it cover three months from 15 June to 15 September, as it should cover the growth stage of the juveniles in line with other Community Regulations and in particular Council Regulation (EC) No 1626/94.`

Reasons

All technical measures for the conservation of fish species in relation to mortality caused by fishing regard the protection of juveniles in the growth stage as being of fundamental importance. This is achieved either by an out-and-out ban on fishing during specific periods (e.g. for lobster or clam) or through the imposition of minimum acceptable sizes for juvenile catches (cf. inter alia Council Regulation (EC) No 1626/94).

The start of the ban should therefore be put back until at least 15 June and it should be extended until 15 September. This would cover at least the first month of growth of the newly born fish.

Voting

For: 30, against: 31, abstentions: 10.