Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
39 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if steps taken at EU level are adequate to safeguard fish stocks with particular reference to threatened species; if he has satisfied himself that regulations made are being fully adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13653/04]
View answerWithin the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU has taken a number of specific steps in recent times to address certain whitefish stocks of particular interest to Ireland. Long-term stock recovery plans have been introduced for Irish sea cod, northern hake and cod in the west of Scotland.
The Commission has also tabled proposals for recovery plans for sole in the Western Channel and Bay of Biscay and for southern hake and Norway lobster. In addition to these tailored stock recovery programmes, the position of fish stocks generally in western waters will also be assisted by the implementation of the new western waters regime. This regime will impose limits on the effort employed by member states fleets in important fisheries around Ireland and additional measures will apply to a biologically sensitive area to the south and south-west of Ireland.
In so far as adherence to the various EU regulations is concerned, the CFP contains provisions for member states to take the inspection and enforcement measures necessary to ensure compliance with its rules. It also provides for member states to follow up on infringements and to impose sanctions where appropriate.
Effective enforcement of conservation rules is a priority for all member states and each member state has a clear responsibility to monitor and control fishing activity within its respective jurisdiction. The challenge of achieving effective control and enforcement of fisheries rules is ongoing and requires close collaboration and co-operation between member states. I am pleased to say the level of such co-operation is increasing and this is helping to generate increased confidence that the rules apply to all fishermen on an even-handed basis.
The need for effective control and enforcement will remain a critical component of the CFP and will drive Ireland's approach to fisheries policy generally.
Certainly, since I became fisheries spokesperson for the Fine Gael Party, there is real concern that common regulations and enforcement across the European Union does not exist. Abuses of the system and breaking the law on fisheries regulations are not enforced in a common way across the European Union. While Ireland hosts the presidency of the EU, is the Minister taking initiatives to try to move towards common regulation and enforcement. I accept a greater level of co-operation is developing but fishermen want to see that if fishermen in Portugal, Spain, France, Britain or northern Europe are breaking the rules, they are treated in the same way. We need to work towards that target.
In regard to alternative or scientific conservation measures, for example mesh size, net shapes and possible set aside areas in fishing and spawning ground, what are we doing to promote more accurate and scientific ways of conserving fish stocks as an alternative to the more blunt form of conservation which has been introduced to reduce fishing or to reduce quotas? Are we moving towards the concept the Minister previously raised in committee, EU regional committees formulating regional reports and recommendations for different fisheries and species in EU waters?
On the latter question, if the Deputy is referring to regional advisory councils, they will be set up and incorporated into EU law during the Irish Presidency. We will discuss them at the next two formal meetings of the Fisheries Council. In regard to the evenness of sanctions against individual countries by the respective authorities, even before I was in this Ministry, I often heard there were different levels of surveillance and sanctions by different countries. Ireland, no more than any other country, has been subject to complaint by other member states and, indeed, beyond in regard to its activities. It is incumbent on all nation states to implement the laws and to ensure even-handedness. As I said, there is better co-operation at EU level.
I am sure the Deputy is aware that recently a judgment was registered against France for breach of the rules and I understand a substantial fine may be imposed on it by the EU. The Commission has also signalled its intention to take action against the UK and Spain for breaches of the rules. It is fair to state that no member state can claim that all its fishermen obey the rules at all times. We must ensure we do our level best to ensure enforcement. I know the Deputy is not, in any way, suggesting we take our foot off the pedal in that respect.
Is the Minister satisfied conservation rules are being universally enforced? Is he happy with the degree to which the conservation rules are being enforced by all member states? Has he made complaints at Commission level or Council of Ministers level in this regard?
In regard to the regional advisory committees, which I strongly welcome and which I am glad will be put in place before the end of our Presidency, will the industry be represented on those committees?
Yes. That is the whole idea behind the regional advisory councils of which Ireland has, over recent months, been a great supporter on the basis that, for the implementation of new rules, from now on we need to have tie-in from industry representatives. To a certain extent, that will bring them into the loop in regard to decisions.
On fishing, technical and conservation measures, one of the successful meetings which the Irish Presidency has had was that held in Dundalk on the issue of environmentally-friendly fishing methods. As a result of that meeting, which was instigated by us, the Commission will bring forward an action plan on environmentally-friendly fishing methods — apart from the usual issues of quotas and technical measures which might sustain stocks — and to incentivise in other ways, financial or otherwise, fishermen who demonstrably embark on environmentally-friendly fishing.
Over recent years, there has been an "us" and "them" situation with the Commission, the scientists and the fishing industry on different sides. They are all, in effect, involved in megaphone diplomacy with each side blaming and no side believing the other. Recent efforts at Commission and Council levels is to bring these parties together so that they can commonly and in partnership agree structures and hopefully adhere to them. There is a genuine understanding in the fishing industry that, while its economic situation must be sustained, there is a need to ensure conservation of stocks for this generation and future generations.
On the question of whether I am happy with the position, I am not happy. As I said, no member state, including Ireland, can validly state that all fishermen are adhering to the rules every day. As Minister, I must enforce the law, and be seen to do so, at every opportunity. It is a matter for my officials and the Naval Service to implement.
