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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (C(2024)06800 – 2024/2842(DEA))

On the Commission Delegated Regulation of 30 September 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 as regards measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay

B-10-2024-0178

on behalf of the PfE Group · Rapporteur: France Jamet, Ton Diepeveen, Anna Maria Cisint, António Tânger Corrêa, Jorge Buxadé Villalba

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Parliament objects to the Commission Delegated Regulation of 30 September 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 on measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay. The objection is based on concerns about the scientific data used, lack of transparency, socio-economic impact, and insufficient consultation of stakeholders.

Key points

  1. Objects to the Commission delegated regulation.
  2. Calls for the regulation not to enter into force.
  3. Requests that the resolution be forwarded to the Commission, Council, and member state governments and parliaments.
  4. States that the delegated regulation is based on fragmentary preliminary data from the Pelagis Observatory.
  5. Claims that the scientific data unjustly penalised fishing activities in the Bay of Biscay.
  6. Calls for independent counter-expertise to verify the quality of data from the Pelagis Observatory, which lacks transparency.
  7. Notes that the Pelagis Observatory can only perform necropsies on 3% of stranded cetaceans.
  8. Suggests that remote electronic observation systems could improve assessment of incidental catches.
  9. Highlights the socio-economic impact: estimated EUR 100 million loss, 400 French and 40 Spanish vessels prevented from fishing, and threats of bankruptcy and redundancies.
  10. Notes that compensation will be paid from EMFAF funds earmarked for strategic challenges.
  11. States that the ban reduced fish supply to auctions, undermining European food sovereignty.
  12. Criticises the Commission for not receiving all-embracing information from all stakeholders.

Who is affected

  • Fishermen in the Bay of Biscay, particularly French and Spanish vessels, affected by fishing bans.
  • European maritime cooperatives on the Atlantic seaboard threatened with bankruptcy.
  • The Pelagis Observatory, whose data is questioned.

Figures and deadlines

  • 3% of stranded cetaceans can undergo necropsy.
  • EUR 100 million estimated socio-economic impact.
  • 400 French vessels and 40 Spanish vessels prevented from fishing.

Legal basis: Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union