Bernard J. Durkan
Question:58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the total fish catch by species in Irish waters in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3480/01]
Written Answers. - Fish Catch Statistics.
I am arranging for my Department's landing statistics 1990-99 to be forwarded to the Deputy. The statistics give the volume and value of landings by Irish fishing vessels in to both domestic and foreign ports. Multiannual statistics on the volume of total catches by species in the Irish zone are not currently available although work to enhance fisheries data at EU level is under way and should lead to improved statistics in time. Around 40% of all catches in EU Atlantic waters come from ICES areas VI and VII and it is estimated that a large proportion of these are made in the Irish zone.