The EU has agreed a new Regulation which introduces a driftnet definition into EU law. The Regulation’s main effect should be to finally halt the use of illegal French driftnets, often called thonaille, which are used in the Mediterranean despite being banned since 2002.
Last year, on the initiative of Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg, the European Commission presented a proposal to introduce a full definition of a driftnet. According to Oceana, a number of driftnet fleets, including the French thonaillers have exploited the lack of a definition to flout the EU driftnet ban and continue using their illegal gear. This new definition should also help to avoid a repetition of the “thonaille issue” when the driftnet ban comes into effect in the Baltic in 2008.
The crew of the research catamaran, the “Oceana Ranger”, has documented over the past two months the activities of a fleet of 67 vessels using the driftnets called thonaille. This work was complemented by Oceana observers on land, who identified vessels in port with driftnets on board and observed the landing and sale of illegal captures.
During the observation mission on the high seas the Oceana Ranger was attacked by seven French driftnet vessels who deliberately entangled the propellers of the Ranger, forcing the crew to shut down the engines. The attack ended when two helicopters from the French Coastguard and Navy arrived on the scene.
Xavier Pastor, Executive Director of Oceana for Europe says: “The approval of the Regulation is a sign of a commitment by the EU to eliminate driftnets from the fleet. The French Government, which continues to protect the thonaillers despite the highest French Court declaring them in contravention of EU law, now has no option but to put a stop to their activities.”
