Vol. 422 No. 4
132 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the action, he is taking to prevent a recurrence this season of the illegal fishing activities for mackerel and herring of Killybegs based tank boats within the limits of Killala Bay and Sligo Bay, and inside the baselines of the bay in view of the great damage this is doing to the livelihoods of local lobster and crab fishermen through the major loss of lobster and crab pots.
I think it is important to stress at the outset that pelagic tank boats of up to 90 feet in registered length are legally entitled to fish in the area in question.
Notwithstanding this my Department has devoted considerable time and effort in addressing the problem of conflict between pelagic tank boats and local fishermen using fixed gear in the area.
In this regard significant progress has been made in resolving the difficulties between the two sides. An agreed code of practice has been put in place which deals with such matters as the positioning and marking of static gear, the operation of trawlers in the area, and the processing of claims for damage to fixed gear.
I am hopeful that these arrangements will enable both sides to operate in harmony in the area. I will, however, be keeping the matter under close review.
