asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the efforts he is making to conserve bass stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Bass Stocks.
15.
Following a recent decision of a Council of Fisheries Ministers, a minimum landing size of 32 centimetres for bass will apply from 1 January next. This should significantly help in conserving the bass stocks around our coasts. I am also considering whether additional conservation measures are necessary but I am not in a position at present to comment pending completion of this examination.
The Minister will be aware that there is widespread concern about bass stocks. Are there any proposals in his own Department to introduce prohibitions in areas where the stocks are badly threatened?
At the recent meeting where I raised the problem of the bass stocks around our coast we agreed the minimum size of 32 centimetres which should be beneficial to conserving the stocks. I am considering other measures but, since they have not been formulated yet, I would prefer not to go too deeply into the question in that direction at this stage. I can assure the Deputy that, in the light of what he and others have said in the House, that there is a need to ensure that this stock is conserved. I am also aware that recent fishing has had adverse effects on the stock level of a particularly slow growing species.