Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy^f1, and in particular Article 26(4) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 of 12 October 1993 establishing a control system applicable to common fisheries policy^f2, and in particular Article 21(3) thereof,

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EC) No 41/2007 of 21 December 2006 fixing for 2007 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in Community waters and for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required^f3, lays down quotas for 2007.

On 4 June 2007 Sweden notified the Commission, pursuant to Article 21(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, that it would close the fishery for cod in Skagerrak for its vessels from 1 June 2007.

On 21 June 2007 the Commission, pursuant to Article 21(3) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 and Article 26(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002, adopted Regulation (EC) No 713/2007 prohibiting fishing for cod in Skagerrak by vessels flying the flag of Sweden or registered in Sweden, with effect from the same date.

According to the information received by the Commission from the Swedish authorities, a quantity of cod is still available in the Swedish quota in Skagerrak. Consequently, fishing for cod in this zone by vessels flying the flag of Sweden or registered in Sweden should be authorised.

This authorisation should take effect on 1 October 2007, in order to allow the quantity of cod in question to be fished before the end of the current year.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 713/2007 should be repealed with effect from 1 October 2007,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: