Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
37 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on revising the current ban on the commercial fishing of sea bass in Irish waters if research showed that stock levels were at a reasonable level; if he plans to commission research in order to assess stock levels at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23331/12]
View answerThe current measures for the protection of the sea bass stock in Irish waters have been in place since 1990 and were introduced arising from the dramatic decline of sea bass stocks in the 1970s.
From a scientific perspective, our knowledge on the biology and stock dynamics of sea bass in Irish waters is poor. There is a need for new research in this area. Following recent discussions, the Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland are considering developing a research programme to deepen our understanding of sea bass. This will inform future discussion on policy and management of the resource.
