Vol. 568 No. 2
178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the species of fish now identified as being endangered; the measures he or his European colleagues have taken to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16190/03]
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which his Department has monitored fish stocks; the action he has taken to ensure conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16195/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 182 together.
The Marine Institute carries out Irish stock monitoring programmes which feed into the work of other scientific bodies such as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, to determine the current status of EU fish stocks. On the basis of the most recent advice, there is a serious concern that many stocks appear to be outside safe biological limits. In so far as the areas and species most affected are concerned, there is particular concern about a number of key whitefish stocks throughout Community waters, in particular cod and hake.
Interim stock recovery measures have been introduced for a number of stocks, including Irish Sea cod, northern hake and cod in the North Sea and west of Scotland. The Commission has recently presented new proposals for long – term recovery plans for a number of cod stocks. Additional proposals concerning hake are expected shortly. The intention is to have such plans in place from the beginning of next year.
Ireland has been at the forefront at EU level in pushing for enhanced conservation measures to protect fish stocks. I will continue to push for further systematic action in this regard.
