Vol. 483 No. 2
93 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will give details of the items discussed at the Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on 30 October 1997; and if he will give details of the decisions taken at this meeting. [19956/97]
The Fisheries Council of Ministers of 30 October 1997 discussed and decided on a proposal for a Council regulation laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources and a proposal for amending the existing Council control regulation to provide for catch reporting.
The Council agreed a package of fishery conservation measures which will protect and rebuild stocks. The following key conservation measures were agreed and will be implemented on a phased basis over the next 18 months, the introduction of square mesh panels in nephrop nets; an increase in net mesh size to 100 mm for whitefish stocks such as cod, haddock and whiting; new rules on fish discards which will ensure that the levels of fish thrown away at sea are minimised; a commitment from the Commission to scientifically assess the need for conservation boxes, and to introduce them if required, for valuable hake stocks in Irish waters.
At the Council, agreement was also secured to the introduction of "real time" catch reporting from next year by fishing vessels. This proposal entailed amending the existing Council control regulation to provide that in addition to fishing boats having to report when entering and leaving zones they must also report the quantities of fish on board by species.
The Deputy will appreciate that both of these measures will be of direct and fundamental importance for Ireland as the coastal State most directly concerned. They will contribute significantly to conservation and control objectives to the benefit of the Irish industry, and will be of special importance in addressing the problems associated with the operation of flagships in Irish waters.
