Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

453 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a review is taking place in relation to movement of mussel seed from the Irish Sea; if there is a quota situation in place; and the situation regarding Irish and non-Irish boats. [15677/03]

Michael Ring

Question:

454 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when decisions will issue on applications for the movement of mussel seed from the Irish Sea to mussel cultivators in 2003 in view of the seed season; the number of applications currently lodged with his Department; the average processing time for applications; if all boats given a quota are subject to controls, for example, checking the tonnage and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15678/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.

Wild seed mussels are a natural resource fished on an annual basis by the bottom mussel growing sector for the purpose of on-growing within aquaculture sites. Such a resource requires effective management in order to maximise the potential return to the sector. In view of increased pressure on the resource in recent years, a review of the management arrangements applying to wild seed mussel stocks within the jurisdictions of Ireland and Northern Ireland was carried out earlier this year.

Following the review by my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, DARD, in consultation with government bodies and the bottom mussel industry, more formalised management arrangements have now been put in place for Irish and Northern Ireland vessels wishing to prosecute the fishery. This involves a revised application and assessment process. Applications will be assessed by a committee comprising my Department, DARD, the Loughs Agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the cross-Border aquaculture initiative team under a number of criteria and approved vessels will be licensed to fish maximum quantities within a specific area over a specific time period. Skippers may land only into designated ports and will be required to complete logbook data relating to fishing activity.

Approximately 70 applications have been received to date. As in recent years, demand far exceeds projected seed supplies. It is expected that decisions on applications will be available within two weeks.