Activities of Marco AFFRONTE related to 2016/0074(COD)
Plenary speeches (1)
Conservation of fishery resources and protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures (debate) IT
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1967/2006, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1224/2009 and Regulations (EU) No 1343/2011 and (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 894/97, (EC) No 850/98, (EC) No 2549/2000, (EC) No 254/2002, (EC) No 812/2004 and (EC) No 2187/2005 PDF (1 MB) DOC (356 KB)
Amendments (50)
Amendment 232 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2 a) Simplification of the current rules on technical measures should not result in a weakening of the standards of conservation and sustainability
Amendment 236 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Technical measures where relevant should apply to recreational fisheries which can have a significant impact on the marine environment, stocks of fish and shellfishother species.
Amendment 242 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Technical measures should contribute to achieving the CFP objectives to fish atso as to restore and maintain harvested species to levels above those which can produce maximum sustainable yield levels, avoid and reduce unwanted catches and eliminate discards and to contribute to the achievement of good environmental status (GES) as set out in Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council18 , taking into account the best scientific advice. _________________ 18 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p.19).
Amendment 247 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Technical measures should specifically providensure protection ofor juveniles and spawning aggregations of fish through the use of selective fishing gears and avoidance measures. Technical measures should also minimise and eliminate where possible, the impacts of fishing gears on the marine ecosystem and in particular on sensitive species and habitats. They should also contribute to having in place management measures for the purposes of complying with obligations under Council Directive 92/43/EEC19 , Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council20 and Directive 2008/56/EC. _________________ 19 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p.7. 20 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p..
Amendment 249 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) The incidental catching and killing of protected species should be addressed in a comprehensive manner across all fisheries and gear types in view of the strict level of protection they are afforded under Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, their high level of vulnerability and the obligation to achieve a good environmental status by 2020.
Amendment 262 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) There is a need for detailed and quantified knowledge concerning the impacts of innovative fishing gears, including pulse trawls, including their cumulative effects on the marine environment and species, before their use is widely adopted on a commercial scale; an effective programme of monitoring and evaluation must be established.
Amendment 272 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Where no technical measures are in place at regional level then defined baseline standards should apply. Those baseline standards should be derived from existing technical measures, taking account of STECF advice and the opinions of stakeholders. They should consist of baseline mesh sizes for towed gears and static nets, minimum conservation reference sizes, closed or restricted areas, nature conservation measures to mitigate againstnimize and, where possible, eliminate bycatches of marine mammals and seabirds in certain areas and any other regionally specific measures currently in existence that are still required to ensure conservation objectives continue to be met until such times measures are put in place under regionalisation.
Amendment 276 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) Where technical measures are necessary for the conservation of stocks or the marine ecosystem, but no multiannual plans are in place, the Commission should be empowered to adopt such measures by delegated acts.
Amendment 281 #
(26 a) Decisions taken by groups of Member States under regionalisation must meet at least the same standards of democratic oversight as those in the concerned Member States and the Union;
Amendment 283 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 b (new)
Recital 26 b (new)
(26 b) Regionalisation should be used to create tailor-made measures that consider the specificities of each fisheries area and safeguard their environmental conditions;
Amendment 294 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) On the basis of scientific assessment of the impacts of innovative gears, duly evaluated by the STECF, the use of such or extension to the use of innovativel gears, such as the electric pulse trawl could be included as an option in joint recommendations from regional groups of Member States. The use of innovative fishing gears should not be permitted where scientific assessment indicates that their use will lead to negative impacts on sensitive habitats and non- target species.
Amendment 299 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) In order to minimisze and, where possible, eliminate the bycatches of sensitive species and impacts of fishing gears on sensitive habitats, regional groups of Member States should develop additional mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of fishing on sensitive species and habitats. Where scientific evidence shows that there is a serious threat to the conservation status of such species and habitats then Member States should introduce additional restrictions on the construction and operation of certain fishing gears or even the introduction of a total prohibition on their use in that region. In particular such provisions could be applied to the use of driftnets which in certain areas has resulted in significant catches of cetaceans and seabirds.
Amendment 305 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission to update the list of fish and shellfish for which directed fishing is prohibited; to update the list of sensitive areas where fishing should be restricted; to adopt technical measures as part of multiannual plans or, where necessary, outside the framework of multiannual plans; and to adopt technical measures as part of temporary discard plans. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 309 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation shall apply to activities pursued by Union fishing vessels and nationals of Member States, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the flag State, in the fishing zones referred to in Article 5, as well as byin international waters and the waters of third countries, without prejudice to the technical measures adopted by RFMOs or included in SFPAs. It shall also apply to fishing vessels flying the flag of, and registered in, third countries when fishing in Union waters.
Amendment 321 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) optimisensure sustainable exploitation patterns to provide protection for juveniles and spawning aggregations of marine species; and provide appropriate safeguards;
Amendment 325 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) ensure that bycatches of marine species listed under Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC and other sensitive species that result from fishing are minimised and where possible eliminated such that they do not represent a threat to the conservation status of these species;
Amendment 328 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) ensure that the environmental impacts of fishing on marine habitats are minimised and where possible eliminated such that they do not represent a threat to the conservation status of those habitats;
Amendment 332 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Amendment 335 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that catches of marine species below minimum conservation reference sizes do not exceed 5% by volume in accordance withspecific levels defined for each fishery and métier. These target levels shall be regularly reviewed and reduced in order to ensure progressive and continual progress in improving selectivity and achieving the objectives of Article 2(2) and Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. In no case should they be greater than 10% of the total catches by volume per métier.
Amendment 349 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that bycatches of marine mammals, marine reptiles, seabirds and other non-commercially exploited species do not exceed levels provided for in Union legislation and international agreementsare progressively reduced and, where possible, eliminated.
Amendment 350 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ensure that the environmental impacts of fishing activities on seabed habitats do not exceedmarine habitats, including sensitive seabed habitats, are minimized and maintained below the levels needed to achieve good environmental status, in particular for each habitat type assessed in the framework of Directive 2008/56/EC in each marine region or subregion in relation to both habitat quality and the spatial extent over which the required levels need to be achieved with the aim of ensuring that the conditions in Descriptors 1 and 6 are fulfilled.
Amendment 355 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) ensure that bycatches of unwanted fish are progressively reduced and, where possible, eliminated, with the aim of ensuring that the conditions described in Descriptors 1, 3 and 4 of Commission Decision 2010/477/EU are fulfilled.
Amendment 360 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The extent to which these targets have been achieved shall be assessed by Member States and reviewed as part of the reporting process set out in Article 34.
Amendment 369 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘exploitation pattern’ means how fishing pressure is distributed across the size and age profile of a stock;
Amendment 373 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘selective fishing’ means a fishing method’s ability to target and capture fish or shellfish by size and species type during the fishing operation allowing non-target species and juveniles of regulated species to be avoided or released unharmed;
Amendment 379 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
(5 a) ‘conservation status of a species’ means as defined by Article 1 of Directive 92/43/EEC;
Amendment 381 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 5 b (new)
(5 b) ‘conservation status of a habitat’ means as defined by Article 1 of Directive 92/43/EEC;
Amendment 390 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘Advisory Councils’ means stakeholder groups established under the CFPin accordance with Articles 43-45 and Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1380/2013 to promote a balanced representation of all stakeholders and to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the CFP;
Amendment 397 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 21
(21) ‘driftnet’ means a net made up of one or more walls of netting, hung jointly in parallny gillnet held on the headline(s), held on the watersea surface or at a certain distance below it by floating devices and, 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 or to limit its drift such as a sea- anchor or an anchor on the bottom attached at one single end of the net;
Amendment 407 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
(39 a) ‘weighted line’ means a line of baited hooks with added weight to increase its sinking speed and so by reduce its time of exposure to seabirds;
Amendment 412 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 43 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 43 a (new)
(43 a) ‘significant adverse impact’ means as defined in Article 2(c) of Council Regulation (EC) No 734/2008;
Amendment 418 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) towed devices for harvesting red coral or other type of corals or coral-like organisms;
Amendment 423 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2, this Article shall apply in international waters and the waters of third countries.
Amendment 463 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, the retention on board, transhipment or landing of living specimens of marine species referred to in paragraph 1 which have been caught as bycatch, shall be authorised as far as this activity is necessary to secure assistance for the recovery of the individual animals and. The retention on board, transshipping or landing shall be authorized when the specimen is dead and can be used for scientific purposes, provided that the competent national authorities concerned have been fully informed in advance.
Amendment 465 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. On the basis of the best available scientific advice a Member State may put in place for vessels flying its flag, mitigation measures or restrictions on the use of certain gears pursuant to the procedure laid down in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such measures shall minimise and where possible eliminate the catches of the species referred to in paragraph 1 or other species caught incidentally and shall be compatible with the objectives set out in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 1380/2013 and be at least as stringent as technical measures applicable under Union law.
Amendment 467 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Member States shall monitor the effectiveness of measures adopted under this Article on minimising bycatch and report annually to the Commission on progress.
Amendment 481 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The practices of high grading and slipping shall be prohibited.
Amendment 484 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply toThe practice of slipping shall only be allowed for catches of species which are exempted from the application of the landing obligation in accordance with Article 15(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Amendment 490 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. In cases where other Member States wish to establish similar technical measures, a joint recommendation may be submitted in accordance with Article 19.
Amendment 498 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 Member States may submit joint recommendations defining appropriate technical measures at the regional level that deviate from the measures set out in paragraph 1. Notwithstanding Article 18 (1) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 1380/2013, the Commission may adopt such delegated acts also in the absence of a joint recommendation referred to in those paragraphs.
Amendment 508 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be empowered to establish technical measures at regional level with the aim of achieving objectives of multiannual plans referred to in Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Such measures shall be established by means of delegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 32 of this Regulation and Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. Notwithstanding Article 18(1) and (3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the Commission may adopt such delegated acts also in the absence of a joint recommendation referred to in these paragraphs.
Amendment 516 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6
Article 19 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission mayshall require the STECF to assess the joint recommendations referred to in paragraph 5.
Amendment 523 #
When Member States do not submit joint recommendations, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to establish closed or restricted areas where necessary to protect juveniles or spawning aggregations.
Amendment 527 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
When Member States do not submit joint recommendations, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to amend or establish minimum conservation reference sizes listed in Part A of Annexes V to X where necessary to protect juveniles or spawning aggregations.
Amendment 528 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Such joint recommendations shall be based on the best available scientific advice regarding size at maturity and aim to ensure that the targets contained in Article 4(1)(b) are met. They shall not jeopardise the control and enforcement provisions relating to the landing and marketing of fish products.
Amendment 534 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Amendment 539 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
3. The use of innovative fishing gears shall notonly be permitted on a commercial scale where those assessments indicate that their use will lead to significant improvements in the selectivity of the original gear and reduced negative impacts on sensitive habitats and non- target species.
Amendment 550 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 1 a (new)
When Member States do not submit joint recommendations, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to allow for the use of nature conservation measures to protect sensitive species and habitats.
Amendment 554 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objectives set out in Article 3 and in particular for the protection of aggregations of juveniles or spawning fish or shellfish species. They shall be at least as stringent as technical measures applicable under Union law.
Amendment 558 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph a
Article 28 – paragraph a
(a) transpose into Union law certain technical measures agreed by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), including lists of vulnerable marine ecosystems and specific technical measures related to fisheries for blue ling and redfish defined in NEAFC Recommendations 05:2013, 19:2014, 01:2015, 02:2015; and