Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1874. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that he assesses the impact of various fishing methods on the environment in accordance with its obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19825/22]
View answerThe requirements in respect of fishing methods are set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures, also known as the Technical Measures Regulation. Technical measures are rules on how, where and when fishers may fish and also include gear, catch composition and ways to deal with accidental catches. Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 sets out the technical measures for the North Western Waters area, which includes the waters around Ireland.
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 simplified the rule structure for technical measures as it replaced a range of different regulations that had previously been in place.
In addition, the Technical Measures Regulation facilitates a regionalised approach. The regulation sets out the minimum standards for a sea basin, such as the North Western Waters region, and Member States in that area, in consultation with stakeholders, may propose additional measures through a Joint Recommendation. My Department and experts from BIM and the Marine Institute actively engage with the relevant other Member States in this forum to seek agreement on enhanced technical measures, when such measures are demonstrated to improve selectivity and/or protect juvenile or depleted stocks. The Technical Measures Regulation is therefore one of the key elements contributing to the conservation and sustainability of fish stocks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fishing in the waters around Ireland and throughout EU waters.
