EU
EU Birds Directive
Summary Description
Reduces incidental bycatch of birds at sea by prohibiting the use of non-selective catching methods.
Species
Fish
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
2009
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds
OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25 (EU)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Establishes a protection regime for bird native to Europe, and prohibits their 'deliberate killing or capture by any method.'
- Prohibits the use of 'arrangements or methods used for the large-scale or nonselective capture or killing of birds or capable of causing the local disappearance of a species,' including the use of nets.
Weaknesses
- The statute provides a broad scope derogation on the taking of birds, including for the purpose of preventing 'serious damage, in particular [...] to fisheries.'
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