P. J. Sheehan
Question:4 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to ensure a continuation of tuna fishing by Irish fishermen from 2002. [23309/01].
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Tuna Fishing.
In 1998 the Council of Fisheries Ministers took a decision to ban drift netting for tuna with effect from 1 January 2002. During the negotiations in 1998 Ireland and France secured a four year phase out period during which drift netting would be permitted. Ireland also secured support for research funding from the Commission to develop alternative techniques, experimental fishing programmes and technology transfer. The objective of the research initiative was to assist Irish tuna fishermen to convert successfully to other fishing methods following the introduction of the ban on drift netting. Since 1998 over £2 million has been invested in assisting Irish fishermen to develop alternative tuna fishing methods. A variety of fishing gears and techniques were tested and substantial progress was made. This year a number of Irish vessels successfully and profitably fished for tuna by means of mid-water trawls with prices reported to be excellent. This success has led to a high level of interest from the fishermen in the 2002 tuna fishery.
Negotiations in 2000 led to quotas being set for the first time for albacore tuna at international level. Ireland negotiated a significant quota of 3,158 tonnes for 2001, the third highest in the European Union. I am confident that we will secure a similar quota for 2002. We also secured agreement at EU level to allow Ireland to double the number of vessels allowed to fish tuna.
Additional InformationThis arrangement, together with our significant quota share, will enable a larger number of Irish vessels to participate in the tuna fishery in 2002 using new fishing methods. The research and development programme over the last three years will position the fishing industry in the south west to profitably pursue mid-water trawling and trolling for tuna next year. The higher prices available for tuna caught by these selective fishing methods will ensure excellent dividends for the industry going forward.
Is the Minister of State aware that tuna fishing is worth £8 million to the fishing industry? There is no scientific basis for a ban on tuna fishing. It is purely political. There is no scientific basis for a ban on drift netting. The ban was lifted in the USA two years ago. Tuna is not an endangered species. Why does the Department not press the fishermen's case? It is clear that alternative plans, at a cost of £2 million, are not suitable. Tuna fishermen along the south west coast believe that the ban should not have been introduced. What effort will the Minister of State make to have it lifted as soon as possible? The American system of pinger nets should be introduced here.
If the Deputy's suggestions are worthwhile, we will pursue them. Our interest lies in providing the best possible income for fishermen who reside in remote coastal communities where tuna fishing is probably their only source of income. Since the drift net ban and a four year phase out period were agreed by the Council in 1998, 18 vessels owned by 14 fishermen were licensed to fish by drift net. They caught more tuna in each year of the phase out period than in any year prior to the agreement. These owners are beneficiaries of the 18 licences granted to prosecute the annual £7 million fishery. The increased numbers of licences for other fishing methods will mean that 50 vessels will participate in future fishing.
There is not a snowball's chance in hell of getting 50 vessels.
The benefits of this lucrative fishery will be spread more widely throughout the fishing community. The value of the fishery will increase as better quality fish is landed and not simply sold to the Spanish canning industry at minimum prices, as was the case in the drift net fishery. By securing a large future quota and more licences, and assisting fishermen to learn how to fish profitably by other means, the Government secured the future of the industry.
That was a filibuster. The Minister of State knows that there is not a snowball's chance in hell of getting 50 vessels.
Will the Minister of State give an assurance that he will press at EU level for the introduction of the pinger net for Irish fishermen? It is the only system that will save the future of tuna fishermen.
Although the tuna industry is safe, I will pursue the Deputy's suggestion.