EU
EU Habitats Directive
Summary Description
Reduces incidental bycatch by prohibiting the use of non-selective fishing methods
Species
Fish
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
1992
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora
OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50 (EU)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Establishes a protection regime for natural areas ('Special Areas of Conservation'), including marine ecosystems.
- Establishes a protection regime for certain animal species, including marine species ('Priority Species'), and specifically prohibits the taking of all mammal species as well as certain sea turtles and fishes.
- Prohibits 'the use of all indiscriminate means capable of causing local disappearance of, or serious disturbance to' listed species. Prohibited means of capture and killing include nets that are non-selective and explosives.
Weaknesses
- The statute provides numerous derogations and exemptions to the prohibition on the taking of protected animals, including for the purpose of preventing 'serious damage, in particular [...] to fisheries and other types of properties,' and 'for other imperative reasons of overriding interests including those of social and economic nature.'
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