Vol. 484 No. 4
18 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the current number of registered fishing vessels in the Irish fleet in the various categories from the largest to the smallest tonnage and type; the comparative information over the past five years; and the projected comparative information for the next five years. [22345/97]
The number of vessels on the Irish register of fishing vessels as of 5 December, 1997, was 1,198. Details of the current composition of the fleet, by vessel length, are set out in the following table.
|
Registered Length |
Number of Vessels |
|
Less than or equal to 15 metres |
845 |
|
Greater than 15 metres and less than or equal to 24 metres |
269 |
|
Over 24 metres |
84 |
|
Total |
1,198 |
The total gross registered tonnage of the fleet as of 5 December was 55,110 tonnes. Vessels over 24 metres in length accounted for 30,770 tonnes, vessels between 15 and 24 metres constituted 17,151 tonnes and vessels of 15 metres or under accounted for 7,189 tonnes.
Comparative details of the number of registered fishing vessels and of total fleet tonnage in the past five years are set out in the following table.
|
Date |
Number of Vessels |
Gross Registered Tonnage |
|
05/12/1997 |
1,198 |
55,110.63 |
|
31/12/1996 |
1,249 |
54,577.48 |
|
31/12/1995 |
1,385 |
55,689.31 |
|
31/12/1994 |
1,446 |
53,682.30 |
|
31/12/1993 |
1,459 |
52,278.32 |
A categorisation of the fleet by vessel length is not readily available for the period 1993 to 1996 and it would not be practicable, having regard to the enormous commitment of staff time and resources that would be involved, to compile this data.
Over the next year the composition of the fishing vessel register will be altered significantly by the inclusion of 900 smaller vessels which have been part of the fishing fleet for many years but which have not been registered to date. Approval has finally been secured from the EU Commission for a scheme to regularise the position of these boats and I expect the issuing of certificates of registry to commence shortly.
The composition and profile of the fishing fleet will be influenced over the next few years by ongoing fleet modernisation by the industry itself, in line with fleet capacity targets set under the recently agreed fourth EU multi-annual guidance programme. The objective is to enhance the efficiency and economic viability of the Irish fishing industry, and the whitefish fleet in particular, assisted by funding for modernisation under the present Operational Programme for Fisheries. I have also announced my intention to introduce a programme of grant aid for new whitefish vessels under the operational programme. Work is under way to finalise this programme for approval by the EU Commission.
I asked this question in the hope that we might examine how to ensure a future for our smaller fishing boats. The Minister will be as keen as I to tackle the problem of depleting fish stocks while ensuring the future of the industry. When he is negotiating fish quotas with his European counterparts, will he ensure that cognisance is taken of the need to discriminate in favour of smaller vessels which will not remove the same quantities of fish from the sea but which have a high employment element? They are perhaps more important in the fishing industry than the larger boats when one takes the number of people employed on smaller vessels into account. Is it possible to divide the quota between larger and smaller boats so that smaller ones do not sink economically by paying the price for a quota which is too generalised?
This year's tonnage figure applies up to 5 December 1997 because we have not reached 31 December. The average tonnage for 1997 is 46 gross registered tonnes, in 1996 it was 43.69, in 1995 it was 40, in 1994 it was 37 and in 1993 it was 35. There is an overall trend towards larger boats.
The inclusion on the sea-fishing boat register of about 900 smaller boats which are part of the fishing fleet but not registered will regularise the position of a large number of small fishermen. EU approval has been obtained for a special registration scheme and the process of issuing certificates of registry will commence shortly.
The registration of smaller vessels will enable the owners to apply for modernisation grants under the EU funded operational programme for fisheries. This is an important development in recognising and registering them. This Government and the previous one negotiated an additional tonnage to include smaller boats to enable the owners to participate in grant schemes.
Small fishermen are not being pushed out of business. In some cases owners of smaller vessels are upgrading to larger and more modern ones. This demonstrates their confidence in the long-term viability of the fishing industry. In addition, upgrading is beneficial from a safety point of view. When upgrading, frequently owners of smaller boats will want to get bigger boats. Our fleet is still quite small in size.
The Minister referred to the average gross tonnage. Does he accept that the increase in average tonnage demonstrates smaller vessels are paying the price for the need to conserve fish stocks? We need to stop dividing the quota across the board because this militates in favour of larger vessels and reduces employment potential. Will the Minister consider dividing the quota so it is reduced for smaller boats?
The quota is divided in relation to a boat's tonnage. The Deputy suggested there should be a differential in favour of smaller boats so if there is a fish shortage they have a better chance of continuing. It is a reasonable point and I will examine it.
I welcome the fact that 900 smaller fishing vessels may be registered although I assume the number will be smaller because it will be voluntary. Will the Minister confirm criteria will be laid down for registration?
More boats will seek registration but 900 will be eligible. The Deputy may have referred to those boats which are not included, of which there will be many. Many boat owners did not apply. It was only possible to get a certain amount of tonnage from the commission for this process. When that was agreed, applications were accepted. There are cases where people did not apply.
Is the Minister concerned about the continuing trend towards larger vessels? Seven per cent of the fleet is catching 60 per cent of fish. As this trend applies elsewhere in Europe, does the Minister think the time has come for a fundamental overhaul of European fishing policy so that the emphasis is put on the needs of coastal communities and conservation rather than on the requirements of larger boat owners?
It is a constant problem and conservation is a major issue. The review of the Common Fisheries Policy is beginning now with a view to looking beyond 2002. I hope to initiate a root and branch examination of the criteria and how they are implemented. Deputy Gilmore, as a former Minister of State for the Marine, knows the difficulties and complexities. Nevertheless, we should not be drawn into these too much. While we must deal with them on a daily basis, it is important there should be a radical appraisal to see how we can put forward proposals to meet future needs. I agree that a review is necessary.
