In adopting by 179 votes to 14 with 12 abstentions the report by Mr Gordon ADAM (PSE, UK)
concerning the amendments to existing technical measures with a view to reducing the mortality
rates of immature fish, Parliament adopted a large number of amendments to the Commission
proposals concerning inter alia:
- the number of nets, of different mesh sizes allowed onboard a fishing vessel;
- improved selectivity by increased mesh sizes, the use of square mesh panels in front of the
cod-end, and the use of separator panels;
- closed seasons and closed areas;
- adjustment of minimum landing sizes to the selectivity of the nets.
Parliament called for a reasonable transition period before implementation of the regulation.
In particular, Parliament considered that provision should be made for the mandatory use of square-meshed netting, in order to reduce the capture of juveniles. It called for a prohibition to have on
board or to use any trawl, Danish seine or similar towed net having more than 100 meshes in the
circumference of the cod-end excluding the joining and selvedges. An exemption could apply to
vessels using a mesh size of less than 80mm permitting the use of cod-ends with a circumference
of not more than 120 meshes. To enable fishermen to adjust it proposes a transitional period, which
in no case should be longer than five years, during which towed nets whose mesh size falls within
the range of 70 to 110 mm would be authorized. Parliament proposed that the square mesh netting
should be constructed of knotless or other material with non-slip nots and inserted in such a way that
the meshes remain fully open whilst fishing at all times. It also proposed that vessels should carry
on board or use towed nets two different mesh sizes.
It proposed that from 31 December 1999 it should be prohibited to carry on board or to use any
towed nets constructed wholly or in part of netting materials having a twine diameter of more than
8mm. (This provision would not apply to pelagic fishing where authorization had been granted to
fish with nets up to 80 millimetres.) A prohibition should also apply to any towed nets constructed
wholly or in part of netting materials consisting of multiple twine.
It also called for the prohibition of any towed net whose meshes in the cod-end consist of any type
of mesh other than square mesh or diamond mesh. Sorting would be carried out immediately after
catches had been removed from the nets.
Undersized anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel or mackerel caught for use as live bait could be
retained on board providing they were retained alive.
Finally, Parliament called on the Commission to consider additional measures to protect the hake
adult spawning stock off the south and west coasts of Ireland.
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