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EU Commission Censures Gill Net Using Members ff

15 October 2002 Brussels
The European Commission in Brussels will take measures against the State members that still continue to allow the use of gill nets. All EU Countries are to prohibit the use of these nylon drift nets, which are completely banned by the European Community since January 1st 2002. According to statements made by Fishing Commissioner Franz Fischler to the Galician Socialist EU Deputy Rosa Miguélez, the European Commission will act against the States members that fail to fulfill this Communitarian norm. 

Miguélez denounced, to the Commission, the illegal use of this type of nets by the Irish fishing boat Albatros II, with registered Belize flag. In July, the vessel tried to unload 36 tons of Albacore tuna in Vigo, Spain, which was prevented by local Port Authorities. Measures are being taken as the vessel also tried unloading the gill net caught Albacore tuna at the port of Lochinver, Scotland, however, permission was denied by Scottish Agency for the Protection of Marine Fishery.

Gill nets, also known as “walls of death” are nylon-drifting nets already banned by many nations, because they are considered a barbaric and indiscriminate form of fishing.