Vol. 478 No. 4
275 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the very successful south Wexford Lobster Co-op; if his attention has further been drawn to the concerns of the members of this co-op regarding regulations; if he will put in place regulations to control this fishery; if he will license the activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/97]
The Department has actively encouraged the restocking of lobster fisheries and the V-Notch programme utilising PESCA and in some cases Leader funding, which have proved to be very successful in conserving juveniles. I am aware of the initiative taken by the south Wexford Lobster Co-Operative in developing a V-notch programme in the area.
The Department will continue to work with the industry in reviewing existing conservation regulations for the lobster fishery and on the question of future licensing regulations with a view to arriving at a consensus on how best to secure and regulate the future development of this valuable resource.
