<s>[INST] The next text is a question of a member of the European parliament:"In its reply of 21April 1998 to written questions E-0503/98, E-0505/98, E-0507/98, E-0509/98 and E-0511/98(1), the Commission states that it continues to take the view that it is not desirable to allow oceanic driftnet fishing to continue because of alleged ecological and socio-economic risks.  As regards the ecological aspect, what reliable scientific basis does the Commission have for calling for a general ban on the use of driftnets?  To enable North Atlantic long-finned tuna stocks to be fished optimally, why does not the Commission adopt more widely the system of Special Fishing Permits introduced in France, which makes it possible to limit and adapt to the state of fish stocks the number of vessels using driftnets?  As regards the socio-economic aspect, does not the Commission agree that a general ban on the use of driftnets would result in significant job losses and render fishing zones using the technique more vulnerable (particularly the Island of Yeu)?  As to the acceptability of Community fisheries management measures, does not the Commission consider that a decision taken without a reliable scientific study is liable to be rejected by fishermen and by the fishing industry more generally, and to damage the credibility of the Common Fisheries Policy?  Apart from driftnets, does the Commission intend similarly to call into question the legitimacy of other fishing gear without any sound scientific basis?    (1)OJ C 386, 11.12.1998."
Analyze carefully the text and assign it to the most relevant policy area among those listed below. Do not explain your answer and return only a number.
Policy area numbers: 1 = Macroeconomics
2 = Civil Rights, Minority Issues and Civil Liberties
3 = Health
4 = Agriculture and Fisheries
5 = Labour, employment and pensions
6 = Education
7 = Environment
8 = Energy
9 = Immigration
10 = Transportation
12 = Law and Crime
13 = Social welfare
14 = Regional and Urban issues and Planning
15 = Banking, finance and domestic commerce issues
16 = Defence
17 = Space, science, technology, and communications issues
18 = Foreign trade
19 = International affairs and foreign aid
20 = Governance and government
21 = Public Lands, Water Management and Territorial Issues
23 = Culture and media
[/INST]. Answer = [4]. </s>
In its reply of 21April 1998 to written questions E-0503/98, E-0505/98, E-0507/98, E-0509/98 and E-0511/98(1), the Commission states that it continues to take the view that it is not desirable to allow oceanic driftnet fishing to continue because of alleged ecological and socio-economic risks.  As regards the ecological aspect, what reliable scientific basis does the Commission have for calling for a general ban on the use of driftnets?  To enable North Atlantic long-finned tuna stocks to be fished optimally, why does not the Commission adopt more widely the system of Special Fishing Permits introduced in France, which makes it possible to limit and adapt to the state of fish stocks the number of vessels using driftnets?  As regards the socio-economic aspect, does not the Commission agree that a general ban on the use of driftnets would result in significant job losses and render fishing zones using the technique more vulnerable (particularly the Island of Yeu)?  As to the acceptability of Community fisheries management measures, does not the Commission consider that a decision taken without a reliable scientific study is liable to be rejected by fishermen and by the fishing industry more generally, and to damage the credibility of the Common Fisheries Policy?  Apart from driftnets, does the Commission intend similarly to call into question the legitimacy of other fishing gear without any sound scientific basis?    (1)OJ C 386, 11.12.1998.