Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
156 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of foreign fishing vessels which have been boarded by the Naval Service in the sea area between 11° W and 14° W off the south west coast; and the number of these that were caught using illegal nets. [33037/04]
View answerThe Irish Naval Service has boarded 194 non-Irish fishing vessels so far in 2004 in the area between 11° W and 14° W off the south west coast. None of these fishing vessels was caught using illegal fishing gear.
157 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the use of illegal mesh nets by non-national fishing boats in Irish waters. [33038/04]
View answerThe use of various sized meshes to capture fish in different fisheries is laid down under European Community law. The mesh sizes proscribed are an important part of the technical conservation measures laid down under the European Common Fisheries Policy. These rules apply to all European fishing vessels fishing in Community waters. Officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and officers from the Irish Naval Service perform checks on fishing gear to ensure it is being used legally.
