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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

101 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to introduce an interim quota, along the lines announced by the Minister for Environment and Local Government in relation to the interim guidelines on retail base area, as a measure to protect razorfish stocks in the Irish sea while research continues within his Department on the scientific data that would be required to bring in an absolute quota system on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/98]

In line with the precautionary principle, I am actively considering measures in the short-term to regulate the fishery and prevent over-exploitation of stocks. The razor clam fishery in the Irish Sea must be managed and developed in a way which ensures the long-term sustainability of the fishery and a reasonable economic return for participants. Scientific data on the extent and distribution of razor clam stocks is still quite limited and my Department is liaising with the Marine Institute and BIM on developing the research and management strategies needed for the conservation and rational exploitation of this resource and protection of the related marine ecosystem.

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