asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has any policy on the protection of inshore fisheries.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Inshore Fisheries Protection .
11.
: The main feature of policy concerning inshore fisheries is that enshrined in the access arrangements of the common fisheries policy of the EEC which was agreed recently. Under those arrangements fishing by member states within six miles seawards from baselines is prohibited and fishing by member states within the six to 12 band is restricted to five states for certain limited areas and for certain species of fish. Irish boats over 75 feet in length require a fishing licence from my Department and a condition of the licence is that such boats must fish outside three miles from baselines.
: My question relates more to inshore fishermen. Small half-deckers are restricted to a certain extent by bigger boats fishing inside the three or four mile limit. Would the Minister consider their position in view of the fact they feel their livelihood is threatened? They are seasonal fishermen.
: In the past various attempts have been made to reach amicable agreements or arrangements between the different categories of boats but so far nobody has been capable of sorting out the problem. The only conditions imposed are, as I said, in relation to those boats in excess of 75 feet which require a licence. There are further restrictions in relation to boats over 90 feet. As I said, nobody so far has been able to sort out the problem, and the imposition of a third category of restrictive regulations would be impracticable.
: Policy in relation to fishing should not be in relation to Mayo generally. It should be in relation to all of our coast.
: A question, Deputy.
: I apologise. I am asking the Minister if the Government have any national policy in relation to inshore fishing. I appreciate there is a policy in relation to the six and 12 mile bands. There we conform to the common fisheries policy. I know it is difficult, but would it be possible to have a policy to protect the half-deckers and trawlers under 75 feet?
: I will have a look at it but the track record is not good. My predecessors have looked at it and it would appear they have all come to the same conclusion, namely, it would be unwise to travel down that road and introduce a further category of further restrictions.