Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
439. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the basis and rationale for any proposed cut to the total allowable catch for pollock; if there are any scientific studies behind that proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53420/23]
View answerThe advice on fish stocks published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and informs the EU's negotiating position for consultations with Third Countries, such as the UK.
The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 (the waters around Ireland) for 2024 is for zero catch. A copy of this advice is available on the ICES website (www.ices.dk) from the following link: Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6–7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel) (figshare.com) - ices-library.figshare.com/articles/report/Pollack_Pollachius_pollachius_in_subareas_6_7_Celtic_Seas_and_the_English_Channel_/21841011?backTo=/collections/ICES_Advice_2023/6398177
This zero catch advice is arising because the method used for providing the advice changed this year. The stock assessment was benchmarked in early 2023 and the new model dramatically revised the perception of the stock. A "benchmark" is an ICES process which reviews data, establishes an agreed methodology to assess the stock and defines the reference points for management.
The updated assessment, which provides advice on the basis of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach, indicates that the stock biomass has been declining for an extended period and is currently below the biomass limit reference point.
The EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks - including the Pollack 6-7 stock - began on 24 October and are now concluding. The parties agreed on a limited, by-catch only TAC for Pollack to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch.
Ireland is involved with the scientific research to improve the understanding of this stock.
Pollack is part of the general sampling programme conducted by the Marine Institute, including port sampling and routine surveys. Work is also ongoing to collect genetic samples of Pollack to tackle uncertainty in stock identity. In addition, a new inshore survey is targeting areas not regularly sampled on the regular survey programme. These habitats are more suitable for Pollack and the data collected may help to build up an enhanced perspective on stock status.
