23.5.97 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 132/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 894/97 of 29 April 1997 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the Parliament (1), European Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), (1)  Whereas Council Regulation (EEC) No 3094/86 of 7 October 1986 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources (%), has been frequently and substantially amended; whereas for reasons of clarity and rationality that Regulation should be codified; (2)  Whereas, in order to ensure the protection of marine biological resources and the balanced exploitation of fishery resources in the interests of both fishermen and consumers, technical measures should be laid down for the conservation of fishery resources specifying inter alia the mesh sizes, by-catch rates and fish sizes permitted, as well as the limitation of fishing within certain areas and periods and with certain gear; ) O] No C 362, 2. 12. 1996, p. 318. (") () OJ No € 30, 30. 1. 1997, p. 93. (}) O] No L 288, 11. 10. 1986, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3071/95 (O] No L 329, 30. 12. 1995, p. 14). Whereas a balance needs to be struck between adjusting technical conservation measures to the diversity of the fisheries and the need for homogeneous rules which are easier to apply; Whereas the rules governing fishing operations in the Skagerrak and Kattegat, agreed between the Community and Norway and Sweden, should be included in this Regulation; whereas, taking account of scientific advice, it is therefore necessary to establish seasonal limitations on certain fishing activities in the Skagerrak and the Kattegat; Whereas management measures concerning fishing in the Baltic Sea should be adopted by the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission; Whereas  discards  currently  account  for unacceptable wastage on a large scale; whereas a ban on fishing using insufficiently selective techniques or practised in areas where juveniles are concentrated, together with increases in mesh sizes and the prohibition of gear conducive to discarding, constitute a first step towards the final elimination of practices which are incompatible with conservation and the proper use of resources; whereas it is necessary to introduce a coherent system of management and exploitation which reduces discards to a minimum; Whereas it is appropriate to define directed fishing for certain species of fish as well as by-catches and protected species;