An estimate can be made of the first sale value of fish stocks caught within the Irish 200 mile zone on the basis of: the number of vessels of all member states fishing in our waters; the percentage of allocated quotas which each member state takes in our waters; the non-quota stocks taken in our waters; the catch per unit effort of certain fleets. This calculation suggests a figure of £700 million as a more realistic estimate of the value of fish caught in our waters. The value of fish landed by Irish vessels in 1996 was almost £139 million.
Fish stock levels are assessed annually by EU and international fisheries scientists. On the basis of this advice the Commission draws up annual proposals for total allowable catches (TACs) for the various stocks for decision by the Council of Fisheries Ministers each December. TACs are divided into national quotas allocated to member states in proportion to their relative historic catches prior to the introduction of the quota systems.
The case for an increase in those quota allocations to Ireland is longstanding and remains on the table within the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy. The overall national objective is to maximise fishing possibilities for Ireland while ensuring that conservation objectives are met and taking full account of the socio-economic needs of coastal areas especially dependent on fishing.
The operational programme for fisheries 1994-9 provides funding for the renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet with over £11 million of EU and Exchequer aid available to support total investment of some £31 million in the fleet over the period. The investment support strategy under the programme is designed to improve the overall quality, efficiency and safety of the fleet. In addition I have accepted the recommendation of the consultancy study on the introductions to a pilot scheme for up to four new all weather whitefish vessels and have received the go ahead from Government to proceed accordingly.
