Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 5

Other Questions. - Fisheries Protection.

John Gormley

Question:

13 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the views he is taking to the Fisheries Council meeting in December 1999; if he is being guided by objective expertise regarding the merits of banning twin riggers from the heavily overfished Irish Sea; and if the interests of the large trawlers are being catered for to the detriment of the single riggers whose range is mainly restricted to Irish Sea fishing grounds or at least what remains of them. [24652/99]

Dr. Woods

I share the Deputy's concern in relation to the levels of exploitation of certain key white fish stocks in the Irish Sea. Cod and whiting stocks were heavily exploited in the early 1990s and scientific advice suggests that there is a need to rebuild them. There are a variety of reasons for the general decline of cod and whiting stocks in the last decade. These include high levels of by-catches of young fish in mixed species and prawn fisheries, high levels of discards, fishing in inshore nursery areas and semi-pelagic trawling for cod by some fleets. While the bulk of the Irish east coast fleet and part of the Northern Ireland fleet now practice twin rigging, there is no evidence that this is the primary or sole factor associated with the decline of cod and whiting stocks.

BIM and the Marine Institute have at my request been holding a series of consultative workshops with fishermen around the coast to discuss the new package of conservation measures which will be introduced from 1 January 2000 and to identify additional conservation measures which could be progressed with the support of the industry. Workshops were held in August and September with fishermen in Clogherhead and Howth. I understand no proposals for a general ban on twin rigging were raised. BIM is finalising a report on the workshops shortly and will outline the range of conservation measures which could be taken at national and European level with the support of the fishing industry.

I have received the most recent scientific advice which confirms serious concerns about the state of cod and whiting stocks in the Irish Sea. The European Commission's proposals on total allowable catch levels for the year 2000 are expected within the next two weeks and will take account of this scientific advice. As most of the total allowable catch is shared between the United Kingdom and Ireland I have asked my officials to liaise with the UK authorities in advance of the December Fisheries Council with a view to finding a way forward that will help to protect and rebuild stocks while taking account of the need to protect the livelihoods of fishermen dependent on the fishery.

Mr. Finucane

Is there a policy on discards and undersize fish? I understand the Norwegian Government has such a policy which is considered progressive. Given the high levels of discards, which is a source of serious concern, it is easy to understand the reasons stocks are declining.

Dr. Woods

To resolve what is a major problem I have suggested to the European Commission and the Fisheries Council that observers should be allowed on larger vessels as an additional measure. The Commissioner has indicated that he is willing to look at this. Other measures which have proved effective include the square mesh panel on nets. This was first suggested to me on a visit to Howth with representatives of BIM and others in 1992 by a young fisherman while tending his nets on the pier. I asked the representatives of BIM to follow it up as it seemed a good idea. It entails the use of a square panel, instead of a diamond, to allow smaller fish to escape. The relevant regulation was agreed by the Fisheries Council last year and took effect throughout the European Union from 1 July last.

Mr. Finucane

Does the Minister expect the Spaniards who have 26,000 trawlers and eat undersize fish to co-operate? It is known that EU inspectors wish to carry out spot checks in Vigo long before their arrival. It is well known that inspectors in Vigo have relations working on Spanish trawlers. To what extent will they co-operate?

Dr. Woods

We are corresponding with the Spanish. An exchange of inspectors was arranged last year.

Mr. Finucane

Will the Minister have a serious talk with them?

Dr. Woods

I will. The problem is that they also have a serious talk with us about our faults.

Mr. Byrne

Talking is one thing; listening is another.

Dr. Woods

Difficulties will be encountered at the next Fisheries Council as there is pressure on stocks. An increase was secured in haddock stocks last year. We managed to do a deal which helped Northern Ireland fishermen. We will be looking to do a similar deal this year.