ZAGREB, Aug 3 (Hina) - Croatia has taken a series of diplomatic steps and is in contact with neighbouring countries and the European Commission in an effort to find the best possible solution regarding proclamation of an exclusive
economic zone in the Adriatic Sea, a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says. The move is aimed at ensuring protection of fisheries and the environment and regulating control and safety at sea. The statement says there is a high level of agreement with Italy regarding the need to bar fishing vessels from third countries, such as Japan, China and Panama, from operating in the Adriatic. The two countries are also agreed on the need to prevent illegal fishing. Significant changes have occurred in the attitude of the EU towards expansion of the jurisdiction of Mediterranean countries over the sea. The EU proposes expansion of national ju
ZAGREB, Aug 3 (Hina) - Croatia has taken a series of diplomatic
steps and is in contact with neighbouring countries and the
European Commission in an effort to find the best possible solution
regarding proclamation of an exclusive economic zone in the
Adriatic Sea, a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry says.
The move is aimed at ensuring protection of fisheries and the
environment and regulating control and safety at sea.
The statement says there is a high level of agreement with Italy
regarding the need to bar fishing vessels from third countries,
such as Japan, China and Panama, from operating in the Adriatic. The
two countries are also agreed on the need to prevent illegal
fishing.
Significant changes have occurred in the attitude of the EU towards
expansion of the jurisdiction of Mediterranean countries over the
sea.
The EU proposes expansion of national jurisdictions beyond the
territorial waters through proclamation of protected fishing
zones, as has been done by Spain. France has recently declared a
protected environmental zone in the Mediterranean.
The ministry notes that both fishing and environmental zones are
just aspects of an exclusive economic zone which countries may
proclaim unilaterally under international law in order to exercise
their sovereign right to exploitation, protection and exploration
of the sea.
An exclusive economic zone, as defined by the Convention on Marine
Law, is no doubt an optimum solution for the fulfilment of Croatian
interests in the Adriatic, the ministry says, adding that this is
also in the interests of other parties.
It says that the primary goal is not to monopolise resources, but to
ensure economically sustainable management of marine resources in
the Adriatic. Apart from tourism, the development of the fishing
industry plays an important role in Croatia's efforts to further
assert its position as a Mediterranean country.
Proclamation of an exclusive economic zone would make it possible
for fisheries agreements to be signed with the EU, under which EU
fishing vessels would be allowed to exploit excess fish provided
they paid for it.
(hina) vm