Council Regulation (EC) No. 812/2004 laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries and amending Regulation (EC) No. 88/98.

The aim of this Regulation is to mitigate incidental catches of cetaceans by fishing vessels in the areas specified in Annexes I and III. It shall be prohibited for vessels of 12 m or over in overall length to use the fishing gear defined in Annex I in the areas, for the periods, and as from the dates specified without the simultaneous use of active acoustic deterrent devices. Scientific investigations shall be exempted from such prohibition. Further provisions regard observers (arts. 4 and 5) and annual reports to be presented by each Member State to the Commission (art. 6).