Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
747. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an intensive review of the mackerel policy including full public consultation to address the loss of fishing quota for Irish fishers responsible for the early closure of the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47729/21]
View answer748. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with organisations (details supplied) for the hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47730/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 747 and 748 together.
The management arrangements have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Any amendments or changes to the over arching policy on management arrangements, including pelagic stocks, are determined by the Minister following detailed analysis and full consultation with stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry.
Management of the national mackerel quota is set down in Ministerial Policy which has been developed and put in place over a number of years. The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels using hook and line as a means of fishing was set down in Ministerial Policy in 2010. The Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation. This amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.
The mackerel Policy sets down that the hook and line fishery for vessels under 15m in overall length receive 400t.
In order to amend mackerel policy, I as Minister must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it would require due process involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.
There has been for the past 20 years or so intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU/U.K. Trade and Co-operation Agreement provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota by 2026 to the U.K. This will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. It is worth noting that the 400t for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced. Unfortunately the situation is that if there is an increase for any , such as the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU/ U.K. TCA.
Earlier this year, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) prepared a paper requesting to increase the hook and line fishery from the 400t limit to 3,000 tonnes and to increase the trip limit from 750kg to 1,500kg. The request to increase the trip limit was subsequently withdrawn by the NIFF. As advised above, in order to amend mackerel policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review, it would require due process involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.
The Management of the Hook and Line fishery has been on the agenda and discussed with Industry representatives including the NIFF at each of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meetings from March to July. My Department have kept me advised on these discussions and I am aware of the divergent industry views. This item is next due for discussion at the QMAC October meeting. It is worth noting that the remit of the QMAC is to examine and make recommendations within Ministerial Policy.
