press release from the office of Richard Corbett MEP

14 March 2004

Dolphins and porpoises could be big beneficiaries from EU enlargement

Labour MEPs are pressing for an extension of strict rules on nets to the Baltic to save dolphins and porpoises from being killed.

Rules to ban dangerous netting that is killing seven harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea every year need to be extended from the Atlantic to cover Poland and the Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, say Labour MEPs.

Richard Corbett, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:

"Like many MEPs I have been appalled at the campaign now being run by the Conservative Party to attack the expansion of the EU into Eastern Europe, so it is good to point out some of the real benefits it will bring.

"I know very many of my constituents are concerned about the unnecessary killing of dolphins and porpoises in Europe's seas. It is time we acted and swiftly and I am certain these measures will make a real difference."

Measures include:

• A general restriction of the length of drift-nets in the Baltic from 1 July 2004
• A further reduction out of drift-net fishing by 1 January 2007
• Compulsory use of acoustic deterrent devices, known as 'pingers', in certain fisheries where the risk of catching dolphins and porpoises is particularly great
• Introduction of a comprehensive system for monitoring the level of dolphins and porpoises that are caught, so that policies to cut that level even further can be introduced

"And these policies show just why it is important to have a Common Fisheries Policy. I want to challenge the Scottish Nationalists and the Tories - who are united in their demands for isolationist policies - to tell the truth about their approach.

"They want a free for all on the seas and the result would be an ecological disaster. Only firm, co-ordinated and Europe-wide measures will deliver.

"Labour believes in acting together in the common interest. We will vote to protect our environment even when that involves making tough decisions.

"If these policies become part of the Common Fisheries Policy then they will have the full force of law across 25 member states. That shows just how important the EU, and its enlargement into Eastern Europe, is for all of us concerned about our environment."

More information

Contact Toby Wardman, Press & Communications Officer for Richard Corbett MEP

phone 0113 245 8987