Visserij rond Atlantische eilanden beperkt om koraalriffen te beschermen (en)

The European Commission has tabled a proposal to ban the use of bottom-trawled fishing gear around the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries Islands (see attached map). The aim is to eliminate the risk of the lasting or irreparable damage that such gear can cause to highly sensitive deep-water habitats found in these areas. The proposed ban would ensure the continuation of the protection hitherto afforded to these habitats by the special access regime existing since the Accession of Portugal and Spain (MEMO/03/201). The proposed measures are part of the process to minimise the impact of fishing gear on the marine environment. Similar restrictions currently apply to an area off the north-west of Scotland known as the Darwin Mounds which also boasts similar sensitive habitats (IP/03/1170).

Welcoming this proposal, Franz Fischler, Commissioner responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries said: "Through these restrictions, fishermen make a contribution towards maintaining the balance in the marine environment which is crucial to fish stocks."

Continued protection

Bottom trawling is currently banned in the areas concerned under the rules governing access to the so-called 'western waters', established during the process of integration of Portugal and Spain into the Common Fisheries Policy. As these rules will end this year, restrictions are needed to ensure continued protection for these habitats.

The Commission proposes therefore to modify the 1998 Council Regulation on technical measures which establishes technical conditions related to gear specifications, seasonal and spatial restrictions and other technical conservation measures.

background

The continental shelf around the islands concerned by the proposed measures is very narrow or virtually non-existent. Several habitats are to be found at the bottom of these deep waters. These include deepwater coral aggregations, thermal vents and carbonate mounds which give shelter and food to a highly diversified fauna and flora. Scientific evidence, including reports from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), shows that habitats such as those found around the islands concerned by the proposal are in need of special protection, especially against the physical damage caused by bottom trawls and similar fishing gear.

The Common Fisheries Policy must integrate environmental protection requirements and this proposal constitutes an important step in that direction. Also, there are moves afoot in a number of international fora to protect marine vulnerable habitats which already figure as habitats of Community interest in the 1992 Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. The proposed ban will not adversely affect fishermen as bottom trawling is currently prohibited and as other types of fishing gear will continue to be allowed in the areas concerned.

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