Vol. 557 No. 4
116 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent report from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, that the Irish Sea should effectively be closed to fishing, having regard to the serious consequences that this would have for the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22350/02]
Scientific advice on the Irish Sea cod stock has been prepared by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, recommending a closure of all fisheries for cod in the Irish Sea as a targeted species or as by-catch from related fisheries. It also recommends, where cod represents an incidental catch, stringent restrictions on the catch and discard rates of cod with effective monitoring of compliance with those restrictions. This advice was reviewed by of the Scientific, Technical, Economic Committee for Fisheries, STECF, a group of independent experts appointed by the European Commission. STECF noted the serious concern about the stock and stated that stock recovery in the absence of immediate stringent management action is unlikely.
There are currently no proposals from the European Commission for fish stocks in the Irish Sea. In the light of ICES advice and the STECF comments, the Commission will bring forward proposals in the next few weeks for all stocks. These proposals will be considered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. During his visit to Ireland last week I made Commissioner Fischler aware of the consequences such a closure would have for the Irish fishing industry, and he indicated that he was willing to explore other options which would allow a reduced level of fishing, particularly the introduction of fishing effort limits, days at sea. I consider that this tool is not appropriate for the Irish fleet and am pressing for alternative measures that will provide the necessary protection for these key stocks.
At national level, the ICES advice and the STECF review of the advice are being examined. A recovery plan for Irish Sea cod, involving closed areas to protect cod spawning grounds and fishing gear restrictions, is already in place. This plan was introduced in 2000 in consultation with scientists and the fishing industry to protect and rebuild the cod stock. The catch by the Irish fleet of cod in the Irish Sea is relatively modest with a significant portion taken as a by-catch in the nephrops fishery. Ireland will be seeking, as a priority, agreement to a regime that enables the nephrops fishery to be maintained while ensuring that by-catches of cod are minimised. Proposals for 2003 will be considered in the context of the scientific advice and current measures in place under the recovery plan. In addition, there will be consultation with the industry representatives in order to determine a national position taking account of the imperative to ensure recovery of the cod stock and the needs of coastal communities dependent on fish stocks.
