6.7.94 Official _]oﬁmal of the European Communities No L 171/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1626/94 of 27 June 1994 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean 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 European Par- liament (3, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Whereas there has been no regulation at Community level of the conservation and management of fishery resources in the Mediterranean during the first 10 years of the common fisheries policy because the particular circumstances there lend themselves less easily to the application of rules analogous to those applying in the Atlantic and North Sea since 1983; Whereas, however, the time has now.come to remedy the problems currently affecting resources in the Mediterra- nean by introducing a harmonized management system suited to the circumstances there, while taking into account existing national regulations and making adjust- ment to the latter, as required to protect stocks, in a balanced and, where appropriate progressive manner ; Whereas the Community must also seek, in cooperation with all the coastal States concerned, to establish a common policy for the management and exploitation of Mediterranean fish stocks; whereas, furthermore, the management system introduced by this Regulation covers operations relating to the fishing of Mediterranean stocks carried out by vessels flying the flag of a third country in Community ports ; Whereas gear which, when used in the Mediterranean, contributes excessively to the degradation of the marine environment or to the running-down of certain stocks should be prohibited ; whereas part of the coastal zone should be reserved for the most selective gear used by (") OJ No C 5, 9. 1. 1993, p. 6 and OJ No C 306, 12. 11. 1993, p. 10. @ O] No C 255, 20. 9, 1993, p. 237. () OJ No C 201, 26. 7 1993, p. 27. small-scale fishermen, whereas, notwithstanding the geographical scope of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3094/86 of 7 October 1986 laying down certain tech- nical measures for the conservation of fishery resources (%), the provisions of that Regulation concerning drifting gill nets and purse seines are already applicable in the Medi- terranean ; Whereas it is appropriate to define the characteristics of the main types of fishing gear used in the Mediterranean, in particular minimum mesh sizes, as well as minimum sizes for certain species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other fishery products specific to the Mediterranean .in order to prevent their over-exploitation ; Whereas, likewise, in order to avoid situations in which large numbers of undersized individuals are caught, it is necessary to protect certain zones where juveniles congre- gate, taking account of the local biological conditions in these various zones ; whereas it is furthermore appropriate that, when regulating fisheries in the Mediterranean, both Community and national legislation should take into account the special needs of particular species and envi- -ronments recognized to be fragile or endangered; Whereas, in order not to impede scientific research, this Regulation should not apply to any operations required for the purposes of such research; Whereas national measures supplementary to, or going beyond the minimum requirements of, the system established by this Regulation or measures regulating the relationships between those engaged in fishing activities should remain possible ; whereas such measures may be maintained or introduced, subject to review by the Commission as regards their compatibility with Commu- nity law and their conformity with the common fisheries policy ; Whereas, for a limited period and according to a proce- dure which ensures a minimum negative effect on resources and on the activities of Community fishermen, () OJ No L 288, 11. 10. 1986, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by R)egulation (EEC) No 3919/92 (O No L 397, 31. 12. 1992, p- 1)