asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department are considering new or updated means of preserving fish stocks by regulations dealing with mesh grades, size limits on fish sold, the establishment of an extended close season, the stipulation of national quotas for certain species and controls on fishing equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Conservation.
7.
The state of fish stocks is kept under continuous review in my Department and measures for their conservation, including those mentioned in the question, are introduced as necessary.
8.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that certain fish stocks in Irish waters are in danger of being exhausted; and the plans he has to prevent such an occurrence.
The stocks of many of the varieties of fish in Irish waters would be in danger of exhaustion were it not for the fact that various conservation measures have been adopted and are being kept constantly under review. This is an essential part of the programme for the development of our sea and inland fisheries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate to the House whether he considers salmon as a species to be in danger of extinction in this country?
I consider that we are looking after the salmon stocks reasonably well at the present time. The Deputy will appreciate that salmon is a very important type of fish. Those who apply for licences are to a large extent dependent on fishing for salmon for their livelihood. We must endeavour to be reasonable with them. I have endeavoured to strike a happy medium and to make as many licences as are reasonable and justifiable available to those people who qualify under the rigid regulations of the 1973 Control Order. At the end of the season I will review the position again in the light of the information available to me. The order is fair and is working smoothly.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary know whether the Fisheries Section of the Department have made a survey of the sources of pollution which are affecting fish stocks of all kinds?
The Department regard pollution as serious. The Fisheries Section of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are always on the look-out with a view to detecting cases of pollution as they arise.
Was a survey made or is a survey being compiled? Is there a record, report or reports of such a survey or surveys, as of now, available in the Department?
That is not strictly relevant to the question under discussion.
It deals with the fishing stocks.
It is not related but, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I shall answer it. I have issued instructions to the departmental officers to continue the process of surveying the question of pollution and anything else that might interfere with our fish stocks.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give details of any case in which action has been taken?
If the Deputy puts down a question to that effect, I shall let him have the information.
The preservation of fisheries is the subject matter of the question.
We cannot have a debate on this matter.
9.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if it is Government policy to concentrate on the preservation of fish stocks by preventing overfishing and sea pollution.
Government policy for the rational exploitation and conservation of fish stocks includes the measures mentioned in the question. Existing legislation is adequate to prevent overfishing and to deal with all aspects of marine pollution.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what legislation exists that would prevent overfishing for lobster, for instance.
There are minimum size limits in respect of lobsters; also, there are laid down regulations covering the minimum mesh of nets and there is a prohibition on the use of certain devices for catching fish. The matter is covered reasonably, but if the Deputy has any other suggestion to make that would be helpful in conserving lobsters we should be glad to hear it and to consider it.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that there is need to control the number of berry lobster taken from the sea as there seems to be a substantial decrease in the stocks?
I agree that lobster is a very important species of fish. I have obtained as much advice as possible both in the Department and from the people involved in lobster fishing and who are interested, I do not think I should say in their welfare——
That is an extraordinary reflection for the Parliamentary Secretary to cast on any Member of the House. He should withdraw that remark.
Will Deputy Molloy please allow questions to continue?
I did not cast any reflection on the people who are anxious to conserve stocks.
I take it that the remark was a joke.
As a result of surveys, which the Parliamentary Secretary says are progressing, can he say whether he knows of any instance in which legal or any other action has been taken against those who are the source of pollution——
Surely this is a separate question.
It is a separate question. The information requested by the Deputy in that supplementary is not contained in my brief because it does not relate to the subject matter of the question tabled.
On a point of order, may I emphasise that in Question No. 9 information on sea pollution is asked for specifically.
Surely the question of prosecution is a separate one?
The Deputy's supplementary relates to steps taken to preserve fish stocks.
I asked what action is being taken in relation to sea or other pollution that is causing fish deaths.
I thought the Deputy referred to prosecutions.
He is confused.
My supplementary is specific. Has any survey shown what are the causes of the pollution and, if so, what action have the Department taken in that regard?
I can answer that in two words—appropriate action.
The Parliamentary Secretary is becoming very smart. He will pass himself out one of those days although he does not know what it is all about.
The Deputy does not know what fishing is all about.
The Parliamentary Secretary has given a slippery answer.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that existing legislation is adequate to ensure that our stocks of crayfish and lobster are preserved?
I am very watchful in so far as this problem is concerned. I have the advantage of being in a position to be able to converse with the people who are engaged in fishing and who derive part of their livelihood from this type of fishing.
In a small part of the country only.
I am sure the same situation prevails in the other areas. I assure Deputy Gallagher that I am aware fully of the value of our lobster stocks. If the Deputy wishes to call to the Department at any time he will be given a detailed account of what we are doing.
Why not give that information to the House?
I am calling Question No. 10.
Go bhfóire Dia orainn.