Forlængelsen er således nødvendig, og jeg støtter den i denne sammenhæng, selv om jeg beklager den forsinkelse, hvormed denne protokol forelægges Parlamentet til vurdering. ###>This means that Portugal's eight longliners will continue to enjoy fishing opportunities. The extension is thus essential and for that reason I support it, although I regret the delay in referring this protocol to Parliament for consideration.