Considerations on COM(2009)93 - Multi-annual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean

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dossier COM(2009)93 - Multi-annual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
document COM(2009)93 EN
date April  6, 2009
 
table>(1)Since 14 November 1997, the Community has been a Party to the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (2) (hereinafter referred to as the Convention).
(2)At its 16th Special Meeting in November 2008, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) adopted Recommendation 08-05 to establish a new recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean ending in 2022 and replacing the recovery plan adopted in 2006.

(3)In order to rebuild the stock, the new ICCAT recovery plan provides for a graduated reduction in the total allowable catch level from 2007 to 2011, restrictions on fishing within certain areas and time periods, a new minimum size for bluefin tuna, measures concerning sport and recreational fishing activities, farming and fishing capacity measures as well as reinforced control measures and the implementation of the ICCAT scheme of joint international inspection to ensure the effectiveness of the recovery plan.

(4)It is therefore necessary to implement the new ICCAT recovery plan by means of a Regulation establishing a recovery plan as provided for in Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the common fisheries policy (3), which should enter into force before the beginning of the main fishing season.

(5)The ICCAT recovery plan of 2006 was incorporated in Community law by Council Regulation (EC) No 1559/2007 of 17 December 2007 establishing a multi-annual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (4). The adoption by ICCAT of a new recovery plan for bluefin tuna requires the amendment of Council Regulation (EC) No 43/2009 of 16 January 2009 fixing for 2009 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required (5), repeal of Regulation (EC) No 1559/2007 and its replacement by this Regulation.

(6)Given the urgency of the matter, it is necessary to grant an exception to the six-week period mentioned in paragraph 1(3) of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union annexed to the Treaty on the European Union, to the Treaty establishing the European Community and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,