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Fish Discards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Questions (511)

Tom Fleming

Question:

511. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the position in respect of fish discards here in comparison to other EU countries; if our laws are much stricter; the position regarding sea bass quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/13]

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Written answers

Discarding is a complex global problem where unwanted catches are returned to the sea as a result of a number of factors including quota restrictions, high grading, minimum landing sizes, and market conditions. Levels of discards in EU Member States vary depending on the size and nature of the fishery. The evidence in relation to mixed fisheries across western waters indicates a consistently high level of discards and presents a significant problem for all EU Member States involved in fishing EU waters.

Finding practical and implementable solutions to the wasteful practice of discarding fish is a major component of the current reform proposals for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Since taking up office as Marine Minister, I have worked tirelessly to influence and drive a change in policy which will urgently lead to an end to discarding. I have prioritised securing final agreement between the EU Fisheries Council and the Parliament on reform of the CFP throughout the Irish EU Presidency and we are making considerable progress in this regard. The Fisheries Council which commenced yesterday and continues today is seeking to agree a compromise package on the CFP reform, including in relation to dealing with discards, with a view to finalising negotiations with the EU Parliament and the Commission before the end of the Irish Presidency.

Ireland has been to the forefront in the drive to reduce and eliminate discards for many years and I was delighted to launch an Irish “discard” atlas in 2011, which is a detailed compendium of discards by the Irish Fleet targeting whitefish on a stock by stock and area by area basis. This was the first publication of its kind and placed Ireland firmly to the fore in the debate on eliminating discards and assisted in advancing the case for a phased elimination of discards as part of the CFP reform package. I have urged other Member States to produce similar publications for their fleet. It can be expected that discard levels are similar for similar fleets operating in the same fisheries across the EU.

In relation to sea bass, the EU Commission has not yet advised if it intends to pursue a TAC and quota regime for sea bass for 2014. I will continue to press Ireland’s case at every opportunity at EU level including at EU Fisheries Council meetings and will consider management arrangements for sea bass when and if Council decides on TACs and quotas for the relevant stocks.

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