The organization Oceana, key in these denounciations, confirmed last year that some vessels had this kind of nets, exceeding the authorized limits in length (in that occasion nets of up to 10 kilometres in length were found).

The communiqué issued by Oceana welcomed the decision taken by the Court and stated that a similar legal proceeding is being carried out against Italy. It also stated that this ruling is a victory agaisnt the use of this kind of illegal fisheries, banned in the European Union since 2002, due to the high number of non-target catches of endangered species.

It is estimated that approximately 150 fishing vessels in European waters continue to breach the norms against the use of driftnets, despite the fact that many of them received subsidies to change the technique.

For the moment, the decision made by the Court of Justice against France modifies the situation, and it is expected that the changes in the fishing systems become a reality, even though only to avoid fines and penalties.

However, the ruling of the Court doesn´t set a specific period of time to amend the situation, it mentions “reasonable deadlines” and does not establish any economic sanctions.

After a long history of investigations and denounciations, Oceana expressed their gratitude to the decision made by the EU´s Court, and considered that the french case is finally concluded.