- Published: 27.09.2004.
Starting implementation of the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to remind that as of 3 October 2003, begins the implementation of the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone of the Republic of Croatia. In its content, the Zone relates to the sovereign rights of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the living resources beyond the limits of the territorial sea, as well as the jurisdiction with regard to marine scientific research and the protection and preservation of the marine environment
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to emphasise that, in accordance with the Croatian Parliament’s decision of 3 June 2004, the legal regime of the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone will not apply to ships flying the EU flag until the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between Croatia and the EU is signed. Croatia is actively preparing for the start of the negotiations on the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the EU and is taking appropriate measures to enhance and protect the interests of the Croatian fishermen. The implementation of the Zone requires the activities of the Croatian Government’s Co-ordination to synchronise the monitoring and protection of the inland waterways, territorial sea and the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to point to the fact that the start of the implementation of the Zone will in no way affect the rights of navigation of the third party countries, in accordance with the UN Law of the Sea Convention and the International Law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate Croatia’s full dedication to the strengthening of good neighbourly relations, as well as the continuation of co-operation and the start of dialogue with the EC and all interested EU members for the purposes if reinforcing joint partnership activities aimed at protection of living resources and marine environment in the Adriatic.