Nora Owen
Ceist:92 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the discussions which are taking place at EC level regarding fishing rights around the coast of Namibia.
Written Answers. - EC Discussions on Namibian Fishing Rights.
Following the establishment of a new independent Namibian state on 1 April 1990, Namibia extended their territorial waters to 200 miles and excluded all foreign vessels from fishing within that zone.
A number of member states had conducted fisheries in Namibian waters for some years and consequently were deprived of fishing opportunities following the imposition of this ban. The discussions currently under way regarding fishing rights around the coast of Namibia are aimed at the conclusion of a fisheries agreement with that country which will allow fishing activities by Community vessels to be resumed. Negotiations are proving difficult and indications are that any resumed fishing activity by member states' vessels is likely to be quite restricted.