asked the Minister if he proposes to change the lobster fishing season to start on 1st April and finish on 20th August each year in an effort to prevent the wholesale slaughter of spawning lobster that now prevails.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lobster Fishing.
6.
The Deputy's suggestion will be considered in conjunction with other measures at present being examined in my Department for the more effective conservation of lobster stocks.
I do not think the Minister or the Department are aware of the seriousness of this. It is not good enough to say we are about to do it. Would the Minister consider a review of the situation, taking into account that until a few weeks ago every pond along the coast was full of spawning lobster? The spawning lobster is the biggest lobster on the seabed, and if this type of fishing continues a very valuable part of our fishing industry will be destroyed.
I propose to take immediate unilateral action in this regard. One of the important things to remember is that in regard to salmon and shell fish we can do it ourselves because at the last Council meeting we got localised fishing, as it is called, excluded from Community conservation requirements. I propose to take action along the lines suggested by the Deputy in regard to lobster fishing before the start of next season, before April. I propose to introduce a number of restrictive measures such as the possibility of introducing a close season, the licensing of lobster fishing, the limiting of lobster pots per boat and the stricter enforcement of the existing statutory size of lobster that may be taken.
Does the Minister agree that the dates I have suggested are appropriate? Now that he has brought in the question of licences, would he agree that those people who already have salmon drift net licences should not be eligible for lobster licences?
More than 80 per cent of the total lobster catch is taken from April to September. In view of the danger of the extinction of lobster stocks, I agree there is a strong argument for the introduction of a close season.
I want the Minister to be more specific. Would the Minister try to bring about a situation where those who would be fishing lobster would get priority if they have not already got salmon drift net licences. That is very important but the Minister has not dealt with it.
That is a separate matter. I appreciate the Deputy's anxiety in regard to lobster fishing. The suggestion in regard to a close season will be examined closely and I hope to introduce something along those lines before next season.
Has the Minister had any consultations with the fishing organisations?
I will have them. That is why I am not coming down on the side of any specific measures. In the weeks and months ahead there will be the fullest consultation on this matter with the fishermen. The matter is not urgent immediately. I am not coming down in favour of any specific period or any specific measures.
The matter of most immediate concern is skin diving. Is the Minister aware that this is widespread? This is of the greatest concern to fishermen in Kerry and elsewhere.
Only last week I met a deputation of Caherciveen shell fishermen and I also met a deputation of Kenmare fishermen. That happened last Friday and Saturday, As a result of my meeting with them I will bring in a complete ban on skin diving and on all operations related to it. I am also introducing a close season for scallop fishing in Kenmare and Caherciveen bays.
I would ask the Minister to consider, when he is giving out those licences in the close season, that most of the people who fish lobster are small fishermen who are not members of the large organisations and to appreciate the point that smaller fishermen——
I am calling the next question.
I am grateful to the House for enabling me to answer that important question so fully.