Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 3

Written Answers. - Seal Population Studies.

Enda Kenny

Question:

129 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine with regard to the statement made in reply to Question No. 90 of 20 April 1994 that the majority of grey seals found in Irish coastal waters are of United Kingdom origin, the steps, if any, that are being taken and have been taken to notify the relevant United Kingdom authorities of the fact that Irish inshore coastal fishermen are sustaining significant losses as a result of seal migration to Irish waters; in this context and arising from the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, his views on whether such conventions place a legal obligation on nations to manage their marine resources in such a way that the interests of other nations are not damaged; in this context, the efforts, if any, that are being made to get the United Kingdom to accept responsibility for this; when he last contacted the United Kingdom authorities in this regard; if they have accepted responsibility under the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I am aware of the feeling among fishermen that seal predation, especially in relation to inshore nets, has increased in recent years. In this regard the Department is considering undertaking a number of scientific studies to ascertain the current level of seal population around the Irish coast, and the migration patterns which, as indicated in the reply to which the Deputy refers, result in a significant increase in the seal population at certain times of the year. One of the studies being considered would also examine the economic effect of seal interaction with fishing activities.

As the Deputy may be aware, the recent European Parliament resolution on this subject sponsored by Mark Killea, MEP has opened the way for EU funding of such studies. Details of the aid are expected to be published shortly by the Commission.

Because of the migratory dimension of the problem, the general consensus is that only a concerted approach by a number of countries would be likely to have any significant effect in the long term and the studies which are envisaged will help not only to quantify the problem but will also serve to highlight its international dimension.

As regards the Deputy's question as to whether seal migration and its effect on fisheries comes under the terms of the Law of the Sea Convention, I am advised that this is not the case. Consequently the prospect of the UK accepting responsibility in that context does not arise.