Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 4

Written Answers - Fisheries Protection.

Bernard Allen

Question:

25 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on recent comments by the president of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (details supplied) in which he called for measures to protect the interests of Irish fishermen and to stop what he termed the unprecedented rape of Irish waters by other fishing fleets. [22241/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland is forcing the pace at EU level in pressing to ensure that fisheries enforcement at sea and on land is implemented consistently by all member states in accordance with EU policy. I agree with the views recently expressed by the chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation. Control must be rigorous, across the board and demonstrably evenhanded throughout EU waters.

I am not satisfied, frankly, with the standards of enforcement and the level of penalties elsewhere and I will continue to pursue with other member states and the Commission the need for firm action to put a stop to their boats committing offences in EU waters and our waters in particular.

The combination of aerial surveillance and entry-exit reporting data enables increasingly accurate and effective targeting of illegal fishing activity by our patrol vessels and is providing a detailed overview of both the patterns and levels of fishing activity in Irish waters.

We have won agreement in the last few months to additional EU measures including the introduction of satellite monitoring together with "realtime" catch reporting from next year. These will further enhance our ability to monitor and, deal with, illegal fishing activity in our waters. I will continue to pursue at EU level enhanced control measures to protect fish stocks which are under increasing pressure. I am determined to safeguard stocks and eliminate illegal fishing in our waters. I expect no less from other member states and the Commission.

I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that negotiations between the EU and Norway have been concluded and the agreement reached addresses the concerns expressed in relation to the negotiations by the chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation. The agreement provides for a 19 per cent increase in the total allowable catch of mackerel next year. The additional quota for Ireland of 10,000 tonnes will give a significant boost to the Donegal based pelagic fleet. In addition Ireland, has forced a reduction in Norway's share of the blue whiting stocks in western waters. Ireland has consistently maintained that Norway, as a non EU member, should not benefit unduly from EU fish stocks in western waters. This stand has been vindicated in this year's deal with Norway. The additional quota for blue whiting which will be available in western waters next year will allow the Irish fleet to significantly increase its activity in this promising fishery.

I am committed to working with the Irish fishing industry in our joint efforts to ensure that illegal fishing activity by vessels of other member states in our waters and elsewhere is vigorously tackled and that there is a level playing field for the Irish fishing industryvis-a-vis its European counterparts. I welcome the industry's support for my agenda in this regard.

Michael Ferris

Question:

26 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of Defence regarding the need for greater protection for our fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/97]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

34 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to review the effectiveness of the fishing protection service in co-operation with the Department of Defence in view of the persistent piracy of Irish fish stocks by non Irish vessels. [22346/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 34 together.

The conservation and protection of fish stocks in Irish waters, with the aim of securing the future of the resource and the viabiity of the Irish fishing industry, is a key priority. It is essential to ensure also that the legitimate fishing activities of Irish vessels are not unlawfully impeded or their safety threatened.

The objective of Irish sea fisheries protection and control, therefore, is to ensure that all vessels, including foreign vessels, fishing in Irish waters are strictly monitored and controlled. To that end, there is an on-going process of consultation and liaison between my Department, the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Air Corps to ensure that the resources applied to fisheries protection, which have increased significantly in recent years with EU assistance are utilised to best effect. The agencies concerned will continue to co-operate closely with a view to optimising the effectiveness of fisheries protection.

Michael Finucane

Question:

27 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the terms of EU Control Legislation 2847/93; his views on whether the main brunt of the monitoring controls fall on the catching sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

EU Council Regulation 2847/93 is designed to ensure compliance with all the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy covering all operations from catching to the processor, transporter and consumer. Control is an integral part of fisheries management which aims to conserve fish resources at a level which will ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

Conservation of fish stocks is the overriding imperative and generally speaking the control and enforcement effort has, therefore, focused in considerable part on the EU catching sector to date. I have already outlined to the House my view on the need to ensure that enforcement is delivered effectively and evenhandedly by all member states. Control must be delivered by all member states right through the supply and demand chain at sea, on shore and at transport and market points. I will press at EU level for all member states to tighten up on every stage of the control process right through to final destination.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

28 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he is taking to secure and enhance the livelihoods of the coastal communities who depend on the sea for their future. [22239/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

This Government is strongly committed to securing and enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities. I am committed to delivering, through available funding, continued programmes of targeted investment in the fishing fleet to enhance safety, quality and competitiveness, in processing, to create jobs and enterprise on shore; and in aquaculture where further sustainable development offers considerable opportunities for jobs and growth in coastal communities. I am also pursuing the case for further badly needed investment in fishery harbours and landing places around the cost which will underpin the catching and aquaculture sectors.

Significant funding is also available under the PESCA Community Initiative to help fishing communities to develop and diversify. One hundred and twelve projects have been approved since the programme commenced in 1995 representing total investment of £6.6 million.

In addition to the conservation measures to which I won agreement at the October Fisheries Council, national measures are in place to conserve inshore fish stocks, such as bass, lobster, crabs and whelks, which are not controlled under EU Regulations. These inshore resources are particularly important for employment and income in our small coastal communities.