2023-10-13 10:41:28
Initiative of the Dodecanese Member of Parliament and President of the Parliament’s Regions Committee, with his parliamentary intervention, on the issue of illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers in Greek territorial waters and in violation of European legislation.
Mr. Konsolas states that Turkish trawlers fish at a distance of 100 and 200 meters from the Greek coast, although based on European legislation from June 1 to September 30 fishing with trawlers is prohibited within territorial waters, while from October 1 until May 31, fishing is allowed, at a distance of more than 1.5 miles from the shores.
He estimates that this issue, in addition to being a gross violation of rules and sovereign rights, negatively affects our fishing stocks and the viability of the fishing profession in the Northern Dodecanese.
Manos Konsolas emphasizes that the forces of the Coast Guard (despite the self-sacrifice they show) and the floating vessels operating in the area are not sufficient, since they are usually tasked with rescuing immigrants and refugees.
The Dodecanese Member of Parliament requests:
1st: From the Minister of Rural Development and Food to raise the issue of the violation of European Legislation by illegal fishing by Turkish fishing vessels to the Council of Ministers and request the imposition of an embargo on Turkish fishing products.
2nd: From the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy to proceed with the reinforcement of the port authorities of Leros, Kalymnos and Samos with new and modern vessels as well as personnel to deal with incidents of illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers
The full text of Manos Konsola’s intervention is attached.
QUESTION
To
Principal Minister of Rural Development and Food
Chief Minister of Shipping and Island Policy
SUBJECT: “Illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers in the sea area between Kalymnos and Samos”
Dear Ministers,
The issue of illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers in the sea area between Kalymnos and Samos and within Greek territorial waters, beyond the character of gross violation of rules and sovereign rights, negatively affects our fishing stocks, but also the viability of the fishing profession in the North Dodecanese.
It is characteristic that Turkish trawlers fish at a distance of 100 and 200 meters from the Greek coast, although based on European legislation from June 1st to September 30th fishing with trawlers is prohibited within territorial waters, while from October 1st to May 31 fishing is allowed, at a distance of more than 1.5 miles from the shores.
It is clear that the Turkish fishing vessels also violate the European Legislation and cause undue damage to our fishing stocks.
At the same time, the fishermen in Leros, Kalymnos, Patmos and the other islands are being led to a dead end.
The forces of the Coast Guard (despite the self-denial they show) and the floating vessels operating in the area are not enough, since they are usually tasked with rescuing migrants and refugees.
It is necessary to take immediate and effective measures such as:
– The strengthening of the Coast Guard with new and modern vessels, as well as personnel at the Port Authorities of Kalymnos and Leros in order to have a more effective control to deal with the issue of illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers in the area.
– Raising the issue at the European level, in the Council of Ministers, given that the specific incidents constitute a violation of European Legislation and sanctions should be imposed, such as the European embargo on Turkish fishing products.
Following the above
The Prime Ministers are asked
1. Does the Ministry of Rural Development intend to raise the issue of the violation of European legislation by illegal fishing by Turkish fishing vessels, to the Council of Ministers and request the imposition of an embargo on Turkish fishing products?
2. What is the planning of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy regarding the strengthening of the port authorities of Leros, Kalymnos and Samos with new and modern vessels and personnel who will attempt to deal with incidents of illegal fishing by Turkish trawlers?
The Questioning Member of Parliament
Manos Konsolas
Dodecanese Member of Parliament
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