Council Regulation (EC) No. 831/2004 amending Regulation (EC) No. 973/2001 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of certain stocks of highly migratory species.

This Regulation lays down some amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 973/2001 which establishes technical measures for the conservation of certain stocks of highly migratory species. In particular, article 5(1) shall be replaced by the following: “1. Fishing for bluefin tuna with encircling nets in the Mediterranean Sea is prohibited from 16 July to 15 August each year.” New articles 5a and 5b shall be added. These new provisions require Member States to adopt each year a sampling estimation of the numbers-at-size of the bluefin tuna caught through scientific observers on board the vessels or at the farming sites. Moreover, Member States shall encourage the release of live sharks which have been caught accidentally, in particular juveniles.