Vol. 446 No. 3
220 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine his Department's position with regard to drift net fishing; the number of prosecutions brought and convictions obtained in respect of the 2.5 km limit; if he intends to review this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2134/94]
Current EU legislation stipulates that only drift nets up to 2.5 km may be used when fishing for tuna with the exception of certain vessels which had previously benefited from a derogation to use drift nets up to 5 km. No Irish fishing vessels benefited from the previous derogation and consequently Irish fishing vessels, presently engaged in the tuna fishery, are subject to the 2.5 km limitation. One prosecution has been brought to date in respect of breaches of the 2.5 km limit. The case in question has yet to come before the court.
Earlier this year, the Commission presented a proposal regarding the future of drift netting, which has the following elements: all drift netting, for tuna, salmon, and certain other species, to be phased out over a period of four years; during this four year period, nets of up to 2.5 km may be used, but their use must be reduced each year and boats which previously held the derogation to fish with nets up to 5 km may continue to do so, for 1994 only.
As the Deputy can appreciate, the proposal caused much concern to me and a great number of my colleagues. The proposed phasing out of all drift netting for tuna and other species would have very serious implications for Irish fishermen involved in these particular fisheries.
At the Fisheries Council on 28 September 1994 it was agreed that the matter be referred back for scientific evaluation prior to its being reconsidered again in Council, possibly in December. There is, in my view, no basis on fisheries grounds for the banning of drift netting for tuna. There are, however, serious concerns internationally about the impact of this method of fishing on other marine species, in particular dolphins.
I have pushed Ireland's case strongly on this issue to date at Council of Fisheries Ministers' level and in correspondence and meetings with the Commissioner and other Ministers. I am determined to ensure in future negotiations that the long term interests of the Irish fishing industry will be secured and safeguarded to the maximum extent possible.
