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WRITTEN QUESTION E-0501/01
by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission
Subject: Acoustically reflective gill nets
(22 February 2001)
In order to prevent cetacean bycatch, scientists in the USA have invented an acoustically reflective gillnet which reflects audio signals in the range that small cetaceans can hear. Is this Commission aware of this?
When these nets were tested in the USA and Canada, fishermen reported a significant reduction in levels of bycatch.
Given the large numbers of small marine animals that are caught in gill nets in European waters, does the Commission intend to support the testing of these types of gill nets within the EU?
Answer(s) published in OJ
OJ C 261 E, 18/09/2001 (p. 128).
E-0501/01EN
Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission
(5 April 2001)
The Commission is aware of this kind of acoustically reflective gillnet and information on the results of preliminary tests has also been made available to the Directorate general Environment and Directorate general Fishery through the Bristol report of the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS).
The Commission is willing to support, as has been done up until now and provided that they pass the external peer review, all scientifically sound research proposals which aim to identify possible technical improvements to fisching gear to mitigate incidental catches of small cetaceans.
For the time being, the Commission has not received any formal proposal either within the so called "Biological studies" or within the 5th Research and Technological Development Framework Programme.
However, as regards the possibility of testing such fishing gear in Community waters, the Community established a Community framework for the collection and management of the data needed to conduct the common fisheries policy . Article 9 of Council Decision 2000/439/EC of 29 June 2000 on a financial contribution from the Community towards the expenditure incurred by Member States in collecting data, and for financing studies and pilot projects for carrying out the common fisheries policy foresees the spheres of activity which may be covered for studies and pilot projects.
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