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WRITTEN QUESTION E-2707/99
by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission
(12 January 2000)
Subject: Fisheries: Fleet size and MAGPs
Can the Commission provide a comparative analysis of the methods used to
calculate fleet size and fulfilment of MAGPs in different Member States?
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission
(27 January 2000)
The multi-annual guidance programmes for the fishing fleets of all Member
States fix capacity targets in tonnage and engine power measured in
accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 of 22 September 1986
defining the characteristics of fishing vessels (1).
Regulation (EEC) No 2930/86 was modified
by Council Regulation (EC) No 3259/94(2) and by Commission Decision No
95/84/EC(3), which require that the tonnage of fishing vessels be measured
in units of gross tonnage (GT) as defined by the London Convention of
1969. All vessels of more than 24 metres length between perpendiculars
should already be measured in units of GT. For vessels greater than or
equal to 15 metres overall length but less than 24 metres length between
perpendiculars, estimates of the GT must be progressively replaced by
measures of GT before the end of 2003. For vessels less than 15 metres
overall length, the GT is defined by a simplified formula based on the
length, breadth and depth of the vessel.
Following a call for tenders the Sea
fish industry authority in the United Kingdom has been contracted to
evaluate the way in which these provisions are applied in each of the
Member States. Its final report will be forwarded to the Commission in the
first quarter of the year 2000.
The way in which engine power is
measured is also currently under review. To this end the Commission is
consulting with the European committee for standardisation to determine
possible courses of action. This is now considered to be a priority for
the Community and may result in a further modification to Regulation (EEC)
No 2930/86. |
