Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fisheries Conservation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that EU fisheries conservation proposals are sufficient to reverse the depletion of fish stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9818/02]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

There remains a concern that many stocks, especially key whitefish stocks such as cod and hake, are outside safe biological limits.

Ireland has been to the forefront in pressing the European Union to take action to address this situation. Emergency stock recovery measures have been implemented for Irish Sea cod, northern hake and also the cod stock off the north west coast. These measures are aimed specifically at protecting juvenile fish and while it is too early to evaluate with precision the results of these measures, I believe that such technical conservation measures can make a very significant contribution in this area.

Attention is now focusing on the follow-up to these emergency measures and discussions in this regard are ongoing in Brussels. A number of proposals have been tabled by the European Commission and further proposals will be made in the period ahead. The debate on the most appropriate steps to take in order to achieve the recovery of stocks under threat is not yet completed and will accelerate during the course of this year, particularly in the context of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy. I will continue to emphasise to the European Commission and to Council colleagues the need to take effective technical conservation measures with the twin objectives of delivering stock recovery and sustainable fishing opportunities for the future.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 36.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 33.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 40.