Pomo Pit situation

20.10.2016

Question for written answer E-007923-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marco Affronte (EFDD) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD) , Dario Tamburrano (EFDD)

The Pomo Pit (Jabuka Pit) is a deep area in the Adriatic that is a vital spawning ground for hake and langoustines. Part of the area was designated a Protected Marine Area (PMA) in 1998 under Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006, which banned bottom trawling until 2009. The ban was part of the bottom trawling management plan for the central and southern Adriatic adopted by Italy in 2011 (Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006). The ban has been repeatedly violated.

By means of a ministerial decree of 3 July 2015 establishing a mandatory temporary embargo, the ban on bottom trawling was extended to cover a wider area than the PMA to protect this biological resource. A programme to monitor the recovery of fish stocks was launched at the same time. The embargo ended on 16 October 2016 and the Italian Government does not intend to renew it, meaning that the monitoring efforts will go to waste and the survival of the fish stocks will once again be under threat. Some bottom trawlers have already started fishing again in the pit. In contrast to the approach adopted by the Italian Government, Croatia is considering extending the ban for another two years.

1. Given the extent to which Mediterranean fish stocks are being depleted and in light of Question P-005987/2016, can the Commission intervene to protect the spawning ground, possibly by encouraging Italy and Croatia to take joint action in the matter?

2. Does the Commission believe that the Pomo Pit should be included in a European marine protection programme?