PURPOSE: to propose a new definition of “drift nets”.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation
CONTENT: the Commission is proposing this Regulation in order to introduce a uniform definition of “drift nets” in all three legislative acts making mention of them. The three Regulations are: 894/97/EC, 812/2004/EC and 2187/2005/EC. Currently, all three Regulations restrict the use of drift nets, albeit that no precise definition of “drift net” yet exists.
The introduction of a uniform definition on drift nets should facilitate the control and enforcement of the current restrictions, which have been put in place. Further, a uniform definition will help clarify existing provision and help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
The proposed definition is as follows:
“Drift net means any gillnet held on the sea surface or at a certain distance below it by floating devices, drifting with the current either independently or with the boat to which it may be attached. It may be equipped with devices aiming to stabilise the net and/or to limit its drifting.”