andMr. Begley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the points on the east and west coasts south of which crawfish in commercial quantities may be caught; and if he considers that Irish fishermen are using large enough boats with adequate pot haulers to catch these valuable fish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stocks of Crawfish.
43.
The main stocks of crawfish in Irish waters are to be found off the south and west coasts, approximately from the Tuskar Rock in County Wexford to Erris Head in County Mayo. Lesser stocks exist between Erris Head and Gola Island, County Donegal, and there are virtually no stocks in the Irish Sea.
There has been a tendency for Irish fishermen to use "mixed" gear, that is to say, the same gear for fishing lobsters and crawfish, rather than specialised gear in each case. A large proportion of the fishing for crawfish is conducted from small boats but there is considerable evidence to indicate that the fishery could be exploited more advantageously by the use of larger boats up to, say, 75 feet in length with specialised crawfish gear. These larger vessels are capable of fishing in greater depths of water, further afield and under a wider range of weather conditions.
Is the Minister aware that the value of crawfish is approximately 50 per cent higher than the value of lobster? Because stocks of this fish exist, his Department should initiate special grants and loans to be paid to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to enable them to develop crawfish fishing. At the present time, this type of fishing is being neglected and is merely incidental to the fishing of lobster.
I can assure the Deputy that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are doing everything possible to encourage the development of modern fishing methods.
I am suggesting it is the Minister's job to do this. Would he not consider consulting with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara as to giving special grants for these special boats, bearing in mind that the French are involved in this type of fishing from Calais port down to Spain and that they are making large amounts of money in this way?
The Minister is having constant consultations with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara on this matter.
Let us hope something will come of these talks.