Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will retain the current lobster size restriction of 87 mm and not impose an upper limit of 127 mm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40241/13]
View answerOn 20 August 2013 my Department initiated a consultation process on proposals to change the current lobster stock management rules. A parallel consultation is underway on shrimp stock management. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 25 October 2013 which I hope will facilitate the participation of all interested parties.
Currently there are two legal restrictions which provide protection to the lobster stock, namely a minimum landing size of 87mm and a prohibition on fishing v-notched lobsters, all of which are over 87mm. The minimum landing size protects juvenile lobster and allows some spawning to occur before lobsters enter the fishery. The v-notch regulation prohibits the landing of v-notched lobsters until the notch is repaired by growth (usually occurs over 2-4 years) thus allowing such lobsters to contribute to spawning and thereby promote sustainability of the lobster stock.
Recent stock assessments, and evaluation of the existing conservation measures, indicate that spawning stock is not adequately protected and recruitment to lobster stocks may be impaired. Having examined the issue with scientific experts from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, I am now seeking stakeholder input on two alternative proposals; either to introduce a maximum landing size of 127mm or to increase the minimum landing size from 87mm to 90mm. The published consultation documents are available online on my Department’s website and copies have been made available at the coastal offices of BIM, the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. In addition copies have been circulated to v-notching co-operatives, fisheries producer organisations and the Environmental Pillar.
I would encourage all stakeholders, particularly those currently engaged in lobster fishing, to participate in the assessment of these proposals. On conclusion of the consultation stage, I will review the submissions received with scientific experts before determining the most appropriate measure to ensure the sustainability of the lobster stock.
