asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why he considered it desirable to make an order prohibiting skin divers from fishing for shellfish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skin Diving for Shellfish.
46.
I considered it desirable to make the skin diving for Shell Fish Bye-Law No. 533, 1966, to protect shell fisheries from excessive exploitation and damage to stocks.
While all of us will agree with any precautions that may be necessary to protect shellfishing from exploitation, would the Minister not consider the feasibility of recognising that these sub-aqua clubs are a very valuable tourist potential and permit amateurs who are not functioning commercially, under restrictions, to fish for shellfish, that is to say, prohibit their taking of crayfish, permit the taking of one lobster, two crabs, in the certain knowledge that if this concession were available, he might rely on the cordial co-operation of the sub-aqua clubs in the enforcement of such a restrictive regulation?
I have given that whole subject very much thought and study. Unfortunately, I had to act quickly——
I agree.
——to prevent excessive exploitation. The legislation as at present does not give me power to license. However, as the Deputy knows, I have a Fisheries Bill coming up and it is my intention to deal with the whole matter in that legislation, to give myself powers to control fishing by skin diving and possibly to license fishing by skin diving in certain circumstances. But I could not do it at the moment. All I can do is to impose this blanket control. I have met the association representing sub-aqua clubs and I have discussed the matter fully with them. Indeed, they offered me their fullest co-operation for research and other purposes. I wish to pay tribute to them for that. Certainly, when the time comes, I will consider whether it will be possible to license persons indulging in this sport to take some limited catch. But the Deputy will appreciate that it may be very difficult to administer any such limited provision.
I am in the astonishing position of being almost in entire agreement with the Minister.
Could the Minister say if skin divers off the coast of England and elsewhere are allowed to take shellfish in that way?
It differs around the world. England, like ourselves, is meeting this problem for the first time now. I am not sure exactly how they will handle it. Countries such as France which have had this problem for a long time have prohibited the taking of shellfish by skin divers.