Fisheries Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Questions (47)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to date; his plans for the publication of this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Further to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and my Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. Once those reports are finalised and policy options are identified by my Department, I can proceed with a public consultation. I look forward to receiving policy options from my Department for consideration in due course.