Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 of 12 October 1993 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy^f1, and in particular Article 21(3) thereof,

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EC) No 2340/2002 of 16 December 2002 fixing for 2003 and 2004 the fishing opportunities for deep-sea fish stocks^f2 lays down quotas for greater silver smelt for 2004.

In order to ensure compliance with the provisions relating to the quantity limits on catches of stocks subject to quotas, the Commission must fix the date by which catches made by vessels flying the flag of a Member State are deemed to have exhausted the quota allocated.

According to the information received by the Commission, catches of greater silver smelt in the waters of ICES subareas V, VI and VII (Community waters and waters not subject to the sovereignty or jurisdiction of third countries) by vessels flying the flag of France or registered in France have exhausted the quota for 2004. France has prohibited fishing for this stock from 17 July 2004. This date should be adopted in this Regulation also,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: