Fisheries and aquaculture: Community system 1996-1998 (Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92). Report

The European Parliament approved the resolution by Mr Pat the Cope GALLAGHER (UEN, Ire) on the application of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Parliament welcomes the Commission's triennial report and stresses that the dysfunctions of the CFP must be corrected by a reform in 2002 based on the integration of fisheries into the single market and greater coherence with the rest of the Community policies. In relation to technical conservation measures, the House believes that still more progress can be made through: the increase in mesh size for certain species, the regulation of mesh thickness/rigidity, the use of square mesh panels for juveniles of certain species, the regulation of the length of certain tackle and the application of closed boxes where scientific reports so advise. Consideration should also be given to a new model of fish stock management in the longer term so as to avoid the discards which occur under the existing TAC system. The initiatives taken by the Commission to strengthen its dialogue with the industry has been welcomed. The House believes that fishery agreements with third countries are an essential part of the CFP and should be consolidated and extended to even more countries. With the CFP due for an overhaul after 2002, Parliament believes future policy should provide for a EU quality label for fisheries products and a strengthening of the role of EU fisheries inspectors. In particular, Parliament wants to see a harmonisation of penalties for fines for breaching EU regulations. The Commission is also urged to consider the rapid introduction of social measures for the improvement of fishermen's living conditions and conditions of training, work and safety. Furthermore, the role played by women in fishing communities should be taken into consideration more.�