John Perry
Question:60 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which vessels fishing for the non-quota species such as blue ling, scabbard, grenadier, and orange roughy are successful. [16755/00]
Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.
The sustainable development of the Irish fishing industry depends, among other matters, on the development of alternative methods of fishing and of diversification of fishing effort towards non-quota species.
Under the programme for the renewal of the whitefish fleet, strong emphasis is put on developing non-quota opportunities including black scabbard, blue ling and grenadiers. Vessels availing of grant aid and tax incentives under the programme must include in their catch projections a minimum of 30% non quota species. In line with trends elsewhere, it is envisaged that the larger new whitefish vessels under the programme for the renewal of the whitefish fleet will actively participate in developing national track record in the non quota deepwater species.
I have also provided funding for BIM to carry out fishing trials on deepwater non-quota species such as greenland halibut, black scabbard, blue ling, orange roughy and grenadiers. During 2000 BIM is carrying out a deepwater fisheries programme with eight vessels participating including five new vessels brought into the fleet under the renewal of the whitefish fleet. The trials to date show that successful commercialisation of deepwater non-quota species is achievable. These trials are set to continue this year and in 2001 targeting a variety of fishing grounds and non-quota species.