• ES - español
  • EN - English
Parliamentary question - E-002275/2014Parliamentary question
E-002275/2014

Spanish fishermen penalised for illegal fishing

Question for written answer E-002275-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Dolores García-Hierro Caraballo (S&D)

According to an official note, the Spanish Ministry for Food, Agriculture and the Environment has imposed pecuniary sanctions and disqualification from carrying out fishing activities on Spanish crew members enrolled on a ship that is black-listed under the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) because of its illegal fishing activities in the Antarctic.

This ship was already being pursued by Interpol and has changed its name and flag several times, which has caused problems in carrying out the penalisation process.

1. Does the Commission know, by way of the European Agency in Vigo, since when this ship has been under surveillance? Had Interpol informed the Commission about it?

2. Has the Spanish Government collaborated with the Commission in this case?

3. Can the Commission state how many control checks were carried out, listed by Member States, in EU ports in 2013 to counter illegal and unregulated fishing, including the percentage of illegal fish products unloaded that is penalised?

4. Can the Commission also specify what measures it is adopting to monitor imports that might constitute unfair competition for the fishing sector in EU countries?

5. Lastly, what is the Commission’s assessment of compliance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, of 29 September 2008, establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing?

OJ C 320, 17/09/2014