Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-06-03-Speech-2-333"
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"en.20030603.10.2-333"2
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"Mr President, I should also like to add my support to what has already been said on the concept of regional advisory councils. They are essential to provide a dialogue with all interested sectors. However, I would like to concentrate on what is now called the 'Stevenson report'.
I would like to thank Mr Ó Neachtain for all his work on what was originally his report. I regret that he had to move his name from the report but I also understand that he was left with no option.
The proposal from the Council seeks to put in place a new regime for fishing effort in Atlantic waters and a system of fishing effort management, concerning certain Community fishing areas and resources. However, on the one hand it would appear that the proposal looks for a management instrument to ensure no increase in fishing efforts, but on the other hand the issue of access of Spanish vessels into what is known as the 'Irish Box' becomes a matter of real concern.
The whole issue rests on the question of access to the Irish Box – water within 50 miles of the Irish coast. This area is an important spawning ground, rich in juvenile fish. This sensitive biological area deserves protection. Thus it is vital that the EU restricts the fishing effort in the Irish Box in order that future generations can enjoy a sustainable fisheries.
The Irish Box was specially recognised as an area of biological sensitivity. However, this report as it stands, instead of applying the policy of sustainable development, would open up this area of sensitivity to over-exploitation. As reports in the
note, fishermen are primarily concerned that fish stocks will be decimated if the Spanish fleet gains unlimited access to the Irish Box. Even the Irish Marine Minister expressed his frustration that he could not get the European Commission to give its opinion on the legal status of the Irish Box. I understand that there has now been some communication in this matter and that there is tentative compromise on the table, although the Irish and Spanish ministers are diametrically opposed.
I too share my Irish colleagues' concerns that, as Mr Ó Neachtain stated in the
we could find these waters completely fished-out in no time at all. I would therefore like to ask colleagues to recognise the importance of boxes in scientifically sensitive areas. I understand that this is not just a north versus south issue. My colleagues from Portugal also value the sensitivity of boxes, especially concerning the Azores. If we are truly serious about a common fisheries policy, I believe that boxes are an important management tool, in recognition of biologically sensitive areas. This is not about discrimination. Far from it. This is about ensuring a sustainable fishery for future generations.
I hope that colleagues will support the amendments tabled, especially Amendment No 20, and make sure that the vision Mr Ó Neachtain had is seen through in this report."@en1
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