Oversight of trade in ornamental marine animals
16.3.2022
Question for written answer E-001055/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jordi Solé (Verts/ALE), Ernest Urtasun (Verts/ALE), Nicolás González Casares (S&D)
The Union is very invested in monitoring trade in marine ornamental fish. It has therefore called for it to be overseen under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This initiative, however, remains deadlocked owing to the pandemic.
Two marine scientists have asked the Commission (DG SANTE) to adapt the TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) database to collect more specific data on trade in ornamental sea fish, as there are currently no comprehensive data on this activity. TRACES is highly adaptable and the ideal tool to monitor this trade as a necessary step towards gaining a more comprehensive grasp of the precise volumes and diversity of marine ornamental fish traded in the Union.
In view of this:
- 1.Why has the TRACES database not been adapted to provide more specific information on trade in marine ornamental fish to the scientists who have requested it?
- 2.Does the Commission intend to adapt the TRACES database to take account of this?
- 3.When will it do so?