Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2016
45. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact that a growing seal population has on inshore fish stocks such as salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/16]
View answerBoth seals and salmon are protected species under the EU Habitats Directive. I must clarify for the Deputy that management of wild salmon is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources and is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland while seals come under the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and management is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). I understand that interaction between these two protected species is a complex issue being examined by the aforementioned agencies.
I am aware that the inshore fisheries sector is also concerned about the interaction between seals and commercial inshore stocks. In January this year the NPWS accepted an invitation to discuss the seal population with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and I understand that this discussion was viewed as constructive by both sides. At the most recent meeting of the NIFF on 22nd June, my first meeting with the Forum, the discussion was described as a necessary starting point of an issue that requires further engagement in the future.
I understand from the Marine Institute that a Seal Fisheries Focus Group was set up to bring together industry, science and NGOs. Membership of the Group has included scientists from the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Coastal and Marine Research Centre of UCC together with representatives from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and from the Irish sea-fishing industry. I am advised that the Group meets on an ad hoc basis. In terms of research priorities on issues concerning sea-fisheries, the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership (IFSRP) was set up on an official basis to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding on fisheries science priorities, which are beneficial to the long-term future of the Irish fishing industry. The IFSRP includes industry representatives such as from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and scientists from both Marine Institute and BIM and meets on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss scientific work programmes and priorities, including in relation to interactions between seals and sea-fisheries.
