26 October Fisheries Council

Fisheries ministers unanimously agreed measures to control fishing in western waters from the start of 1996. The agreement was based on a compromise plan brought forward by the Spanish presidency, involving a three-tiered control arrangement, after member states rejected Commission proposals. In national waters, member states will fix their own measures. For fishing trips of up to 72 hours, vessels over 15 metres will have to report their fishing plans before leaving port. Full reporting on entry to and exit from ports and fishing zones will only be required for trips of over 72 hours in the waters of other member states.