Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
88 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which regulations have assisted in the conservation of fish stocks in the past five years; the extent to which he anticipates progress in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25795/04]
View answerThe Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, is the legislative framework within which EU member states implement their policies. The CFP provides for the conservation and rational exploitation of fisheries resources through instruments such as total allowable catches, TACs, stock recovery plans and technical conservation measures. These measures take account of the scientific advice provided by fisheries biologists, including our own marine institute, on the status of EU fish stocks. It is within this framework that EU member states are working towards the common goal of the sustainable exploitation of fishing resources, and it is in this context that we have seen stock recovery measures introduced for Irish Sea cod, northern hake and cod in the North Sea and west of Scotland.
The process which led to the reform of the CFP at the end of 2002 was lengthy and comprehensive, covering key areas such as access to resources, conservation, control and enforcement, structures and fleet policy. The fundamental objective of the reformed CFP is to provide for the sustainable exploitation of resources, taking account of the environmental, economic and social aspects in a balanced manner. This objective is by definition ongoing and will continue to drive actions and initiatives under the CFP.
In addition to a successful outcome to the CFP reform process, the negotiations secured the protection of sensitive waters off the Irish south and west coasts with the introduction of the new regime in the Irish Box, put in place new regional advisory council and fast track the environmentally friendly fishing initiative. Having these priorities at the centre of our European regulatory framework will help rebuild our fish stocks and give a greater voice to our fishermen.
