Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - Eel Fisheries.

Enda Kenny

Question:

93 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has for the conservation and proper management of eel stocks in the great western lakes; if his attention has been drawn to the huge increase in recent commercial fishing activity in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

96 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the estimated value of eels taken from the great western lakes over the past three years; the proposals, if any, he has to maximise potential and conserve stocks in these lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10072/98]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 96 together.

The Western Regional Fisheries Board has initiated a wide ranging consultation process with eel fishing and other interests in order to inform a comprehensive management strategy for the eel fishery in the region.

The Western Regional Fisheries Board's proposals for a new management strategy for the eel fisheries in the region will be given detailed consideration when received with a view to taking these forward.

Information supplied to me by the Central Fisheries Board indicates that the value of eels taken from the Great Western Lakes over the past three years is estimated at £250,000per annum.

I am aware of the exponential increase in commercial eel fishing in the region and, at the board's request, I have recently made a bye-law capping the number of licences which the board may issue for long line commercial eel fishing in the interests of stock conservation and pending the board's proposals for a new management strategy to underpin sustainable development objectives for this valuable resource.