Italy in infringement procedure over dolphins, turtles

Italy in infringement procedure over dolphins, turtles

(ANSA) – ROME, FEB 7 – The European Commission (EC) has opened an infringement procedure against Italy on grounds the national authorities have failed to take adequate measures to monitor and combat the accidental capture of dolphins, turtles and sea birds during fishing activities, jeopardizing the conservation of protected species and biodiversity. In a letter of formal notification the EC accuses Rome of failing to apply the measures set out in the 1992 Habitats Directive aiming to protect over a thousand species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish invertebrates, and plants, and 230 characteristic habitat types. In particular, it alleges that Italy has failed to conduct research and take adequate action to ensure that bycatch does not have a significant negative impact on the conservation of protected species. Brussels also accuses the national authorities of failing to intervene adequately to prevent various aquatic and bird species from being disturbed within the sites identified under the Natura 2000 programme for their protection and conservation. Italy has two months to respond to the complaints, after which the EC could decide to move to the second stage of the infringement procedure by sending a reasoned opinion. (ANSA).