BRUSSELS, May 15 (RIA Novosti, Alexander Shishlo) - The European Commission said Monday it had approved a set of measures to combat illegal trade in caviar.
All caviar imported or exported by or sold in European Union member countries will now have to have a special label confirming it was produced legally, a move that could prompt Russia and Iran to crack down on smuggling in the Caspian Sea, as the EU is the world's largest importer of black caviar from the two countries.
"The extent of illegal trade and poaching in the Caspian Sea appears to be huge. The new EU rules should contribute to reducing it and ensuring the survival of wild sturgeon populations," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said.
The World Wildlife Fund reported in December of last year that poaching rates in the Caspian Sea were "1,100-1,150% higher than those of legal fishing," and that "95% of black caviar" was produced illegally.
"The EU is the first major market for caviar to implement the new internationally agreed rules to combat illegal trade in caviar," Dimas said.
In 1998-2003, the EU imported 550 metric tons of caviar, or 46% of total global trade in the delicacy.
