asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the checks at present operated by him on fishing boats from other EEC member states in the six-12 mile zone around the coast and in areas where non-Irish boats are entitled to fish; if catch logs, showing methods, catches (species) etc. are recorded; if he will give specific details of catches since 1 January 1983; if he has satisfied himself with the checking arrangements; and if he has any plans to improve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Sea Fisheries Protection .
20.
: The enforcement of fishery protection measures at sea is carried out by the Naval Service. Vessels from other EEC states are subjected to regular checks and boardings which apply to all foreign vessels operating in our waters to ensure their compliance with fishery limits regulations as well as regulations governing technical measures for the conservation of fish stocks for example, minimum mesh sizes, minimum fish sizes and restrictions on the use of specific gear.
Catches of fish are not recorded by reference to national fishery limits but by ICES — International Council for the Exploration of the Sea — zones which are the internationally accepted statistical areas for compilation of catch data.
The EEC regulation establishing control measures for fishing activities by vessels of the member states which came into operation on 1 January 1983 provides that (a) in respect of catches by EEC vessels member states must notify the Commission by the 15th of each month the quantities landed in their ports or transhipped during the previous month of those species which are subject to TAC — total allowable catch — and (b) skippers of vessels over 17 metres in length must keep a log book relating to catches. When compiled by the Commission the recorded catches will be notified to member states and I am awaiting details of the catches for the month of January 1983.
The format of the log-book has yet to be settled, but it is expected to be in use shortly. Log-books of vessels fishing within our exclusive fishery limits will also be subject to inspection by the Naval Service. The Commission will also be recruiting inspectors to supervise the monitoring of catches by member states. I am satisfied that these measures when fully operational will provide satisfactory checking arrangements.
: Is the Minister aware that the allowable catches have not been adhered to in the past by certain member states? We are very concerned about the situation in relation to the arrangements which were made to give 7,000 tonnes of mackerel to the Danes——
: A question, please Deputy.
: Would the Minister specify what steps are being taken to ensure that the Danes are not over-fishing in the north-west?
: I agree with the Deputy that there have been abuses in the past and that catches in excess of what was allowable were taken. The log book approach is under new controls within the framework of the CFP and we ought at least give it a chance before we comment on its efficacy or efficiency. I hope we will soon have an accurate assessment of what is happening.
: What about the Danish quota?
: I have a question later on which relates specifically to that.
: Would the Minister agree that, as far as the monitoring of stock is concerned, we have no real assessment of what amounts of fish are being taken out by foreign trawlers? The Minister said if a foreign trawler is boarded by one of our patrol boats——
: A question please, Deputy.
: Would the Minister accept that they cannot check the exact stocks by simply going aboard a foreign vessel? Can the Minister guarantee that the member states will give an accurate account of the catches being brought in?
: Each skipper is obliged to keep records and submit declarations by the 15th of each month. Without having a one to one ratio surveillance you are depending on the integrity of skippers to fill their log books accurately. There will be a check kept at the major landing points within the EEC and that information will be fed back to the member states. Again you are depending on the integrity of the skipper to say where he caught these fish.
: At a Danish port, for instance, is there a check being made by a representative of our Government?
: There is a central EEC authority within the CFP now who would be charged with that function.
21.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of (a) Spanish vessels apprehended by the protection services in 1982; (b) convictions and fines imposed; (c) Spanish skippers if any, awaiting trial; (d) fishing vessels other than Irish fishing vessels apprehended in 1982 for illegal fishing; the fines imposed; and if any of these skippers are awaiting trial.
: During 1982, 32 Spanish vessels were arrested by the Naval Service for suspected illegal fishing or associated offences. Twenty-five of the skippers involved were convicted which resulted in £683,000 in fines and forfeiture of value of fish and gear. Charges were not preferred by the Attorney General against the skippers of two of the arrested Spanish vessels because of insufficient evidence. The remaining skippers are still awaiting trial.
Four other foreign vessels were arrested — two Dutch, one British and one French. The skipper of the British vessel was convicted and fined a total of £79,200 including forfeiture of value of fish and gear; no charges were preferred against the French skipper because of insufficient evidence and the two Dutch skippers are still awaiting trial.
: What was the reason for the delay in the outstanding cases and when are they likely to be proceeded with?
: I do not think I have that information.
: The Minister might communicate with us.