Spanish vessels convicted of illegal fishing
Twelve Spanish vessels were convicted, with their distances from the baselines listed. The Minister said Spain may be trying to make a record catch before its EEC application is decided, and would consider protesting or withdrawing licences; he said non-Community vessels were excluded from the 200-mile zone.
asked the Minister for Fisheries the number of Spanish fishing vessels that have been convicted in this country's courts of illegal fishing since 1st January, 1977; and if he will state in each instance how far the vessel was operating from this country's base-lines.
Comment on this
The masters of 12 Spanish fishing boats were convicted of illegal entry and fishing within the exclusive fishery limits since 1st January, 1977. Of these three were 24 miles, three were 27 miles, two were 50 miles and four were respectively 66, 27, eight-and-a-half and five-and-a-half miles from this country's base-lines at the time of arrest.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that there seems to be a concerted effort by the Spanish fishing industry to make a record catch within our exclusive limits before their application for entry is dealt with by the EEC?
Comment on this
They certainly could be up to something like that and we are watching them very closely.
Comment on this
Would the Minister consider making a protest about this matter to the Spanish Government?
Comment on this
They have certain rights under the London Fisheries Convention, 1964, which give them, and some of our EEC partners who had historical rights to fish, certain rights within a six to 12 mile belt of our coast. They have those rights still. There is a technical legal point here in that they have rights under the 1964 convention, but not being members of the Community they are excluded from the 200-mile zone from 1st January this year. We take the view in conjunction with our EEC partners, that everybody outside the Community is excluded from the 200-mile zone. Despite the fact that they have technical rights within a six to 12 mile zone, we have successfully prosecuted them in respect of areas within that band.
Comment on this
Would the Minister consider excluding them or withdrawing their licences in view of their misbehaviour in recent months?