Earlier this year I asked the fishing industry and other interested parties to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries, including the Celtic Sea stock. In response to this a number of proposals were received, many offering conflicting views, particularly in regard to the need to ring fence the fisheries. Taking account of the views expressed I have asked my Department to prepare options for my consideration taking all issues into account. When I have chosen a preferred option, I plan to make this available to Industry representatives for views before making a final decision on the management arrangements for 2012 herring fisheries.