Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1126. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide his response to the draft report on co-management of fisheries in the EU and the contribution of the fisheries sector for the implementation of management measures (details supplied), with particular reference to main obstacles to co-management in the Union and possible solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17370/23]
View answerThe term "co-management" refers to arrangements whereby public administrations, the fisheries sector and relevant stakeholders are involved in the fisheries management process. In its draft report on co-management of fisheries in the EU and the contribution of the fisheries sector for the implementation of management measures, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries requests, inter alia, that the European Commission develop an EU-wide regulatory framework on fisheries co-management.
As the Deputy will be aware, in February the Fisheries Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevicius, published a Communication document outlining the Commission's assessment on the functioning of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) along with a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The Communication acknowledges the progress that has been achieved through the framework of the CFP over the past decade and the fundamental role played by stakeholders in driving these positive changes. However, the Communication does not seek any reform of the CFP, but rather seeks further strengthening and implementation of the existing legislation.
Stakeholder engagement is a vital part of fisheries management, both at EU and national level.
Stakeholders, through the Advisory Councils, may submit recommendations or suggestions to the European Commission and Member States on fisheries management matters. In addition, within the framework of regionalisation, the Advisory Councils are fully consulted as part of the process of developing Joint Recommendations such as those relating to the implementation of the landing obligation or on technical measures.
At a national level, stakeholders play an important role in fish quota management through the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC). Allocations and other arrangements are decided by the Minister on an ongoing basis having regard for the advice of the QMAC. This Committee is a formal consultative committee, involving fishing industry representatives from the catching, inshore and processing sectors.
Each year, I meet with stakeholders including fishing industry representatives and environmental NGOs as part of the Sustainability Impact Assessment to prepare for the negotiations on agreeing Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for the following year.
I meet with stakeholders on a regular basis and welcome the opportunity this affords to hearing stakeholders concerns and priorities and updating them on developments in the sector.
