B3-1791 and 1793/93

Resolution on the use of driftnets by the Community fishing fleet

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to Regulation (EEC) No. 3094/86 and the eleventh amendment thereto in Regulation (EEC) No. 345/92 of 27 January 1992 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources,

B.having regard to Article 352(3) of the Treaty of Accession of Portugal to the European Communities, which implements Regulation (EEC) No. 170/83 and prohibits Spanish vessels from using driftnets in Portuguese Economic Exclusion Zones until 31 December 1995,

C.having regard to the Tarawa declarations and resolutions (South Pacific Forum, 10 and 11 July 1989) and the United Nations (forty-fourth session, December 1989) and other international decisions relating to the use of ocean drift nets,

D.having regard to the lack of scientific knowledge and even the scientific controversy regarding these problems,

E.whereas the use of driftnets can have a detrimental effect on the marine environment,

1.Proposes a total ban on the use of driftnets;

2.Considers that the Commission, on the basis of a reasoned application from a Member State, should, however, be empowered to authorize the use of such techniques within the 12-mile limit on the basis of rules to be drawn up for each individual case;

3.Calls on the Commission to put forward measures along these lines;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments of the Member States.