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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2023)0770 – C90446/2023 – 2023/0448(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

PECH-PA-768036

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Isabella Lövin

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The Committee on Fisheries draft opinion responds to the Commission proposal on protecting animals during transport, welcoming the inclusion of aquatic animals but asking for changes. It seeks amendments to clarify definitions, remove unjustified derogations for CITES species, ornamental fish and direct deliveries, and add species-specific rules for aquatic animals in Annex II. It proposes 36 amendments, including a new recital to reduce live aquatic animal transport and revert to slaughter on site, and changes to articles and annexes.

Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries supports the Commission proposal's approach but asks for amendments to clarify definitions, remove unjustified derogations, and add species-specific rules for aquatic animals, including a new recital to reduce live transport and revert to slaughter on site.

Key points

  1. The rapporteur welcomes the inclusion of aquatic animals in the Commission proposal and notes broad public support for their welfare.
  2. The rapporteur wants the EU to avoid transporting live aquatic animals as much as possible and to increase slaughter on site.
  3. The rapporteur asks for amendments to clarify when provisions apply to terrestrial or aquatic animals, and to fix ambiguous definitions for aquatic animals and ornamental fish.
  4. The rapporteur opposes derogations for CITES-listed species, ornamental fish and direct deliveries of aquatic animals to food businesses supplying the final consumer.
  5. The rapporteur calls for species-specific details for aquatic species in Annex II and for timeframes for delegated acts delivering such details.
  6. Amendment 1 adds a recital that the EU must reduce live aquatic animal transport to a minimum and revert to slaughter on site for welfare, economic and environmental reasons.
  7. Amendments 2 and 7 delete the exclusion of ornamental fish from the regulation, and Amendment 8 deletes the derogation for direct deliveries to food businesses.
  8. Amendments 3 and 4 extend the scope to transport from or to off-shore waters.
  9. Amendments 5 and 6 require Annex II to apply to certain aquatic animal transports and limit the CITES derogation to species other than aquatic animals.
  10. Amendments 9 to 12 clarify definitions of journey, means of transport, aquatic animals and ornamental aquatic animals.
  11. Amendments 13 to 17 add noise to welfare hazards, specify terrestrial animals for water and feed, require gentle handling and species-appropriate water for aquatic animals, and extend approval requirements to boats for aquatic animals.
  12. Amendments 18 to 36 add requirements for certificates, journey planning, water parameters, delegated act deadlines, and detailed technical rules in Annex II for aquatic animals.

Who is affected

  • Operators transporting aquatic animals, including by boat and towing, who must follow new handling, water quality and equipment rules.
  • Ornamental fish transporters and traders, who would no longer be excluded from the regulation.
  • Food businesses receiving direct deliveries of aquatic animals, as the derogation for such deliveries is removed.
  • The Commission, which must adopt delegated acts with species-specific details no later than 6 months after EFSA scientific opinions.

Figures and deadlines

  • 50 km, the maximum distance for transport by farmers of their own animals under the derogation.
  • 72 hours, the maximum period for feed withdrawal before transport.
  • 6 months, the deadline for the Commission to adopt delegated acts after EFSA scientific opinions.
  • at least a week, the post-transport observation period for aquatic animals.