Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 November 2006
153 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the tonnage quota allocated to Ireland for horse mackerel for 2006; the extent of the season involved; the way premium quality is maintained for the Japanese market; his views on whether smaller quantities over a longer period might be more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35948/06]
View answerUnder the 2006 TAC (total allowable catch) and quota arrangements, agreed by the Council of Fisheries Ministers in December 2005, Ireland received quota allocations for two horse mackerel fisheries. For the main horse mackerel fishery, located in ICES areas Vb (EC waters), VI, VII VIIIabde, XII and XIV, Ireland received a quota of 31,934 tonnes of horse mackerel. Ireland was also given a quota of 1,612 tonnes for the smaller horse mackerel fishery in ICES areas IIa (EC waters) and IV (EC waters).
The horse mackerel season is normally the spring and autumn of each year. This spring, although the quota for the smaller fishery was fully taken by mid-January, the larger fishery remained open to eligible vessels until the start of May 2006. It was closed at that time to preserve the remaining quota for the more valuable autumn fishery. This fishery re-opened at the beginning of September and will remain open until the end of the year or until the quota is fully taken, whichever comes first. Irish vessels cater to the Japanese market's demand for freshness by landing horse mackerel catches within 24 hours. In addition, most Irish vessels in the fishery are equipped with refrigerated seawater tanks that maintain catches at peak freshness.
New horse mackerel management arrangements were introduced for the 2006 fishery following consultations with industry representatives. Fishing vessels were given allocations for the year based on a number of criteria including track record. Following further consultations with industry representatives, a 20 tonne by-catch allocation was made available to boats participating in the autumn mackerel fishery. The system for managing the quota in this fishery has been developed in consultation with Irish fishing industry representatives. I will keep developments in the fishery under review, and any changes to the management of the stock can be explored as required.
