Dumping of rocks off Gibraltar

23.10.2013

Question for written answer E-012142-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Antonio Masip Hidalgo (S&D) , Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García (S&D) , Andrés Perelló Rodríguez (S&D)

The aim of the Habitats Directive is to help preserve Member States’ biodiversity. According to a report in a Spanish newspaper this morning, in the next few hours, tonnes of rocks from North Africa will be dumped into the waters off Gibraltar, in order to alter the coastline.

Does the Commission not think that this is a breach of the aforementioned directive, as it involves the Estrecho Oriental site of Community importance (SCI)?

Does the Commission not think that this site, with its wealth of flora and fauna, which is classed as a habitat of Community interest with the code 1110, in view of its sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time, reefs, submarine structures made by leaking gases and submerged or partially submerged sea caves, as well its native species of Community interest, such as the bottlenose dolphin, loggerhead sea turtle and harbour porpoise, warrants the adoption of urgent measures to prevent irreparable damage?

OJ C 230, 17/07/2014