asked the Minister for the Marine the progress which has been made regarding the settlement of a fish management plan for the Irish Sea for 1989; the species which are to be covered; the divisions of the species which are covered for the various interests; and if he will be involving the Howth Fishermen's Association in the discussion on this plan.
Written Answers. - Fish Management Plan.
184.
My Department has reached an advanced stage in considering management regimes during 1989 for particular fish stocks in the sea areas around our coasts, including the Irish Sea.
The stocks in the Irish Sea requiring special management regimes during 1989 will include herring, sole and hake.
The Irish Sea herring fishery is concentrated in the summer and my Department will be meeting with the interested parties in advance of the main season; the main hake fishery is not due to commence until March; again, there will be appropriate consultations with the different sectors of the industry. As regards sole, my Department is hoping to formulate a management regime, in consultation with the industry, including Howth fishermen, shortly.
There are no definite proposals for division of the individual quotas among the various interests in advance of consultations; the outcome of these consultations will be reported to me and I shall make a decision at that stage.