Press Release: Fisheries: European Commission proposes full ban on driftnets

On 14 May 2014, the European Commission said that it wanted to prohibit the use of any kind of driftnets for fishing in all EU waters as of 1 January 2015.

Although rules are already in place to forbid using driftnets to catch certain migratory fishes, the practice continues to be a cause of concern due to the incidental catching of marine mammals, sea turtles and sea birds which are mostly protected under EU legislation. To fight circumvention, the Commission proposal includes a full ban of driftnets fishing in the EU as well as the prohibition of keeping driftnets on board of fishing vessels. Furthermore, to avoid ambiguity, the proposal refines the current definition of a driftnet.

ESO: Background information: Italy warned of court action over fishing http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-warned-of-court-action-over-fishing/

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/351: Questions and answers on full driftnet ban http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-351_en.pdf

Deutsche Welle, 14.05.14: EU to close driftnet fishing loopholes http://dw.de/p/1BzqR

EurActiv, 16.05.14: Commission proposes full driftnet fishing ban http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/commission-proposes-full-driftnet-fishing-ban-302167

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