Bernard J. Durkan
Question:57 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his proposals or suggestions at international level to ensure a viable fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/01]
Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.
I am fully aware of and share the concerns of the Irish fishing industry in relation to ensuring its future viability at a time when key commercial fish stocks are increasingly under threat due to heavy exploitation. At the Council of EU Fisheries Ministers in December, against a background of Commission proposals for unjustifiably severe cuts in whitefish quotas, I emphasised the immediate need for radical conservation measures to rebuild and protect whitefish stocks.
With the full support of our fishing industry, I successfully argued that massive cuts in fish stocks alone were not the answer and must be tempered by a wide-ranging international strategy to protect juvenile and spawning fish stocks through recovery programmes. Each member state must accept its responsibilities in order that conservation and recovery plans are comprehensive and implemented as collective strategic initiatives, focused on the particular needs of each fishery. Ireland has already taken the lead with the Irish sea cod recovery programme. I intend that we will continue to be in the front line when these initiatives, including ongoing negotiations on recovery plans in critical whitefish stocks, are being discussed and formulated.
The viability of the Irish fishing industry is inextricably linked with the viability of the resource which depends critically on observance of the rules by all member states. I have, therefore, also consistently pressed for enhanced fisheries control measures to be enforced in a strict and even-handed manner right across the EU. I will continue my pursuit of a level playing field in respect of control and enforcement regimes.