The European Commission has requested Greece complies with the obligation to adopt national management plans for fisheries conducted by boat seines within the country’s territorial waters under the EU Mediterranean Regulation (No. 1967/2006).
Boat seines have surrounding nets, towed by the boat and may operate from the surface to the sea bottom depending on the target species.
Due to the specific characteristics of many Mediterranean fisheries and as the quota-based fisheries management does not apply, the Mediterranean Regulation requires member states to adopt national management plans combining management of the fishing effort with specific technical measures, to ensure sustainable exploitation of fish resources.
National management plans should also ensure the effectiveness of the prohibition to fish with boat seines in protected habitats such as sea grass beds.
The Commission is now sending a “reasoned opinion” to Greece for not having a valid management plan in place. Greece has two months to notify the Commission of measures taken to remedy the situation.
If it is not satisfied with the response, the Commission could refer Greece to the EU Court of Justice.
The Commission confirmed the call in its latest monthly package of infringement decisions, in which it pursues legal actions against member states for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law.
There were no other new infringements in the fisheries sector.
