Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007of 22 October 2007 laying down conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation^f1, and in particular Article 70 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 implements certain conservation and enforcement measures adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (‘NAFO’). This Regulation has subsequently been amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 538/2008^f2. Furthermore, inconsistencies between Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 and NAFO rules on conservation and enforcement have been identified.

At its 30th annual meeting held in September 2008, NAFO adopted a number of amendments to its conservation and enforcement measures. Those amendments relate to provisions on bottom fishing, closed areas to ensure seamount protection, labelling requirements and additional port state measures.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing^f3, will start to apply on 1 January 2010.

Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: