asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will open the Celtic Sea for herring fishing in the coming season; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Herring Fishing.
425.
The question of re-opening of the Celtic Sea herring fishery is a matter for decision by the Council of Fishery Ministers of the EEC on the basis of a proposal from the Commission. Commission proposals on total allowable catches are normally based on scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
The position of the herring stock situation in the Celtic Sea will be the subject of a recommendation from ICES in the near future. Pending the receipt of this report I am not in a position to indicate what proposal the Commission is likely to make in respect of the coming herring fishing season.