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 23 August 2007 Portugal notified the Commission, pursuant to Article 21(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, that it would close the fishery for anglerfish in the waters of ICES zone VIII c, IX and X; EC waters of CECAF 34.1.1 for its vessels from 27 August 2007.

On 3 October 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 1160/2007^f4 prohibiting fishing for anglerfish in the waters of ICES zone VIII c, IX and X; EC waters of CECAF 34.1.1 by vessels flying the flag of Portugal or registered in Portugal, with effect from the same date.

According to the information received by the Commission from the Portuguese authorities, a quantity of anglerfish is still available in the Portuguese quota in area VIII c, IX and X; EC waters of CECAF 34.1.1. Consequently, fishing for anglerfish in these waters by vessels flying the flag of Portugal or registered in Portugal should be authorised.

This authorisation should take effect on 8 November 2007, in order to allow the quantity of anglerfish in question to be fished before the end of the current year.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1160/2007 should be repealed with effect from 8 November 2007,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: