Vol. 547 No. 4
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding fish stocks, with particular reference to depletion due to overfishing; the areas and species most affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3657/02]
The Marine Institute and the international scientific bodies carry out annual assessments of the current status of EU fish stocks. On the basis of the most recent advice, there is a serious concern that many stocks appear to be outside biological limits. In so far as the areas and species most affected are concerned, there is particular concern about a number of key whitefish stocks throughout Community waters, in particular cod and hake. Also some of the herring stocks appear to be in decline.
The European Commission, with the support of Ireland, has put in place emergency stock recovery plans for Irish Sea cod, northern hake and cod on the north-west coast. The Commission has recently presented proposals for a long-term recovery plan for these stocks which are currently being examined.
I am arranging to transmit to the Deputy the most recent stock assessment book, published by the Marine Institute, which outlines the current status of the fish stocks of interest to Ireland.
