Cecilia Keaveney
Question:284 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of cod recovery plan proposals for the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/04]
View answerTuesday, 23 March 2004
Questions (284)
Written answers
A cod recovery plan for the Irish Sea was agreed at last December's Fisheries Council and its provisions are now applicable to vessels operating there. The plan provides for a progressive recovery of the Irish Sea cod stock to a safe biological level over a period of time. The main elements to achieve this objective include limitations on catch and fishing effort, strengthened control and enforcement and also a seasonal closure during springtime to protect spawning cod aggregations. This seasonal closure covers the period from mid February to end April and was a particular priority of Ireland in its approach to the development of this recovery plan. I am satisfied that these recovery measures represent a balanced and reasonable approach to the recovery of this important stock.