26 October Fisheries Council

Date: 02/11/1995

Fisheries ministers unanimously agreed measures to control fishing in western waters from the start of 1996. The agreement was based on a compromise plan brought forward by the Spanish presidency, involving a three-tiered control arrangement, after member states rejected Commission proposals. In national waters, member states will fix their own measures. For fishing trips of up to 72 hours, vessels over 15 metres will have to report their fishing plans before leaving port. Full reporting on entry to and exit from ports and fishing zones will only be required for trips of over 72 hours in the waters of other member states.

MINISTERS agreed guidelines for managing the sardine sector once compensation measures for Mediterranean producers end at the start of 1996. They asked the Commission to prepare a proposal based on the following guidelines: a major increase in the storage premium; more aid for restructuring and development of producer groups; support prices more closely linked to the market to narrow the gap between Mediterranean and Atlantic prices, and greater sales promotion.

MINISTERS stressed the importance of establishing a register of EU fishing vessels to help monitor the 1992-96 fleet reduction programme.

THE meeting agreed to provide 24 million ecu to compensate fishermen for loss of income due to the failure to reach an accord with Morocco. The aid will help some 8,500 fishermen in southern Spain, the Canary Islands and Portugal.