asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (a) the number of (i) whole-time, and (ii) part-time, fishermen engaged in the industry last year; and (b) the number reckoned as employed indirectly as the result of the activities of the fishing industry, such as in processing, boatyards and so on.
Written Answers. - Fishing Industry.
186.
There were 2,662 whole-time and 5,517 part-time fishermen in 1977, the latest year for which figures are available. It is estimated that a total of 2,510 persons were employed in processing and in industries ancillary to fishing in the same year.
187.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the latest available figures for the number of vessels engaged in fishing from our ports (i) under 35 feet, (ii) 35 feet to 54 feet, (iii) 55 feet to 100 feet, (iv) over 100 feet; and the estimated capital value of the whole fishing fleet.
The numbers of motor vessels fishing from Irish ports in 1977 were as follows:
|
under 35 feet |
— |
943 |
|
35 feet to 54 feet |
— |
176 |
|
55 feet to 100 feet |
— |
237 |
|
over 100 feet |
— |
2 |
In addition there were 1,367 vessels propelled by outboard engines, sails or oars of which 1,198 were employed in part-time fishing.
It would take a considerable amount of time and effort to determine the capital value of the whole fishing fleet which comprises some 2,700 vessels. It is estimated, however, that the replacement value of the fleet at 1979 prices is of the order of £200 million.
188.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the latest available annual figure of (i) tonnage of fish landed and (ii) the value thereof, with comparative figures from 1971; the consumption of fish per head of population in the State in 1978 or the most recent year for which figures are available, with comparative figures for 1970, 1960, 1950, 1940 and 1930.
The tonnage and value of sea fish, excluding salmon, returned as landed from 1971 to 1977 are as follows:
|
Quantity |
Value |
|
|
Year |
(tonnes) |
(£'000) |
|
1971 |
72,568 |
4,238 |
|
1972 |
86,415 |
5,316 |
|
1973 |
85,703 |
7,464 |
|
1974 |
84,706 |
8,736 |
|
1975 |
76,027 |
9,173 |
|
1976 |
80,663 |
12,864 |
|
1977 |
82,488 |
18,689 |
The consumption of fish per head of population in the State in 1976, the latest year for which figures are available, was 11.6 lbs. The figures for 1970 and 1963, the earliest year for which figures are available, were 10.2 lbs and 7.5 lbs respectively.