Croatian fishermen need not fear an Italian initiative to declare an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea, Agriculture Minister Marija Vuckovic said on Thursday.

After the cabinet meeting on Thursday reporters asked Minister Vuckovic if she was aware that Italy’s chamber had put forward a motion in parliament to declare an exclusive economic zone which should facilitate fishing in the Adriatic for Italian fishermen and what Croatia was doing to protect its fishermen.

This refers to an exclusive economic zone, said Vuckovic and recalled that Croatia declared the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone which is practically part of an economic exclusive belt.

“As far as fishing is concerned, that is regulated by the Common Fisheries Policy. There is no difference between the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone and an exclusive economic zone,” said,” Vuckovic.

Differences exist in some other economic activities but not in fisheries, she added.

She informed that the ministry was in contact with relevant Italian officials and recalled that Croatia and Italy have over the past years implemented several joint measures, for example the Jabuka Island project which has served as an example for international bodies dealing with fisheries.

Responding to claims that fishermen are afraid that the Italian proposal could facilitate access for Italian fishermen, Minister Vuckovic said that that was regulated by a three-year regime which can be extended.

“Measures are being implemented and they are already showing results with Croatia’s and Italy’s demersal resources,” she said.