Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Other Questions. - Marine Safety.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

58 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal from drift net salmon fishermen to establish safety days in respect of those days in June and July when they are entitled to fish but may not be able to do so safely owing to weather conditions; his views on their proposals to allow them to carry over such days as safety days at the end of the season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12748/01]

Mr. Fahey

I received a document from the Irish Fishermen's Organisation entitled, Safety Aspects of Salmon Fishing Regulations. This document calls for the introduction of safety days which are explained as extra days which would be allowed at the end of the drift net fishing season to compensate fishermen for days during June and July when fishing is not possible due to bad weather.

The drift net fishing season for salmon is limited to the months of June and July on a four days per week basis. This season was introduced as part of the range of salmon conservation measures made following publication of the report of the salmon management task force in 1996. As part of the package, the prohibition on the use of monofilament nets was lifted.

The case made for the introduction of safety days is to remove the pressure on salmon fishermen to go out in adverse weather conditions. However, I am aware that other interests would take the view that this would in effect amount to an extension of the drift net fishing season and an increase in the level of commercial fishing effort.

The proposal of the IFO is made in the context of the introduction of the national wild salmon tagging scheme which commenced in January of this year. The tagging scheme is designed as a means of counting the catch of fish by all sectors to inform the development of policy on the wild salmon resource which remains in a vulnerable state.

I have asked my Department to examine the IFO proposal taking all perspectives into account, and I invite the National Salmon Commission to let me have analysis and advice on the proposal. The commission is representative of all the stakeholders in salmon, including the commercial and angling sectors.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

Would it be a correct interpretation of the Minister's response to say that he is kicking to touch and that he has not been able to make a decision on the proposal from the IFO? There were a significant number of fatalities at sea last year – the figure was about 30. Does the Minister agree there should be considerable emphasis on safety? Does he not accept that, in many cases, those involved in drift net fishing use small boats and that it is not appropriate to place economic pressure on them to go out on days when the weather is bad? That is the basis for the proposal. Does the Minister not believe that while there should be balance, we should give priority to safety?

Mr. Fahey

I am not attempting to kick to touch. My inclination is not to extend the season. While I accept the argument about the absolute need for safety, given that we are talking about the months of June and July and in the context of the difficult situation of stocks and the need for conservation, in balance, I am not well disposed towards extending the season. However, I am prepared to await the advice of the National Salmon Commission in which all stakeholders are involved.

One proposal I will announce shortly is to engage in a new initiative on the quality of wild salmon catches which can enhance considerably the value of salmon caught. This would be much more beneficial to fishermen than an additional day or two to compensate for bad weather.

Mr. J. O'Keeffe

At least the Minister has come off the fence by indicating that he is against this proposal. I have an answer to the question I was asked to table by representatives of fishermen. I am in favour of conservation measures but am concerned in this instance with the safety aspect. Does the Minister accept a different approach could be taken, such as buying out licences from fishermen, and that whatever solution is arrived at should not involve putting pressure on fishermen to the extent that they could compromise their safety? Will he not examine the issue in the broader context to see whether drift net fishing can be reduced by purchasing licences rather than forcing drift net fishermen to go out in very bad weather which could lead to further fatalities?

Mr. Fahey

We discussed this matter before the Deputy came into the Chamber and proposals are being considered for buy out or set-aside. It would not be correct to confuse safety with days at sea. In the management of fishing resources, days at sea are a curtailing factor for all fishermen. That should not result in economising on safety.