Michael Finucane
Question:3 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the reduction of fish quotas, especially in the whitefish species. [3577/00]
Ceisteanna – Questions. Priority Questions. - Fish Quotas.
All the available analysis confirms that commercial fish stocks are heavily exploited and in some cases seriously depleted. The total allowable catches proposed by the EU Commission each year are based on the scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea in advance of the annual fish quota negotiations at the December Council.
For 2000, the scientific advice for fish stocks, including those of relevance to Ireland, was firmly based on the precautionary principle. This approach sets reference points below which stocks should not fall to enable the stocks to rebuild to levels which will ensure their future viability and prevent their collapse.
The precautionary approach to managing fish stocks, therefore, requires that the catch levels be reduced in the short-term so that stocks can be rebuilt and higher long-term yields ensured. Acknowledging the state of the stocks and the need for the precautionary approach, the Council agreed to reductions in TACs of whitefish stocks generally. Reductions in stocks of interest to Ireland averaged 19.5% by volume. These reductions were by and large well short of those recommended by the scientists and the Commission.
I would emphasise that reductions do not decrease Ireland's percentage share of the various fish stocks. Lower TACs result in lower quotas for all member states. In the medium to longer term, the precautionary approach to setting TACs combined with more effective conservation measures will enable stock levels to grow and lead to improved quotas as a result. It is Ireland's longstanding position that our allocated share of fish stocks under the CFP falls far short of a fair and equitable level. The Government's objective is to maximise fishing opportunities for the catching sector in the context of the ongoing evolution of the Common Fisheries Policy. I will take every opportunity to advocate and advance Ireland's case in this regard including the need for a level playing field across Europe on enforcement and improved conservation strategies.
The Minister's response probably does not differ from previous responses. In December 1997, December 1998 and December 1999, the Minister's predecessor went to Brussels and, with the usual spin doctoring, almost claimed a victory for what happened. The reality is as follows. In December 1997, we had 53,505 tons.
The Deputy is giving information.
I am putting a question.
I would prefer it if he would seek information.
In January 2000 the figure was 43,049 tons. In three years there has been a reduction of more than 10,000 in the white fish species which, when quantified, means a reduction of nearly 25% of the tonnage we had in 1997. That is a disastrous result for the Minister who was representing us in Brussels. With regard to the white fish fleet renewal, which we all appreciate and on which there was much successful spin doctoring, I ask the Minister to deliver on the Fianna Fáil commitment before the last election to increase the tonnage capacity of the fish overall. This has not been achieved.
My predecessor, Deputy Woods, was very successful in his efforts to ensure as good a quota—
A reduction of 25% in three years. Is that success?
—as possible for Ireland. The Deputy will know that in a difficult situation, what we would like to get and what it is possible to get are often very different. We cannot get away from the unfortunate historical fact that in negotiating the Common Fisheries Policy, we were left in a very weak position.
That was another Fianna Fáil Minister – Dr. Patrick Hillery.
Please allow the Minister to reply.
Whatever the case may be, or whoever is dealing with it—
It was better in 1996 when we were there.
—every Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources now has to battle against that background. If the Deputy were sitting in this seat, he would find the situation exactly the same.
I would hate to legislate over a 25% reduction.
Deputy, please allow the Minister to reply.
The scientific case made was for a far greater reduction than what was achieved by my predecessor and while I must be honest and say I do not know a huge amount about it, I am learning fast. There is no doubt that the situation is unsatisfactory. My top priority, and that of my officials, will be to try to do as good a deal as we can for Irish fishermen because there is not a level playing field across Europe on enforcement. There are issues involving conservation strategies and there is also the fact that the big players are doing very well while our quotas are only a fraction of theirs. There is a difficult issue to be addressed, and I assure the Deputy and the fishermen who work off our coasts that I will not waste any time or energy in fighting our case as effectively and efficiently as I can to get our quotas up to the maximum in the interests of Irish fishermen.