Austin Deasy
Ceist:130 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of the size of mesh that can be used in a net when fishing for white fish inside a line from Ballinacourty, Dungarvan to Helvick Head, County Waterford.
Written Answers. - Fishing Nets.
By-Law (No. 4) Dungarvan Bay, dated 4 July 1849 governs the size and type of nets permitted in the area referred to by the Deputy.
The by-law:
(i) (a) Prohibits the use of trammel and every other fixed or moored net (except bag or other nets for taking salmon) in Durgarvan Bay, within the space lying between a line passing due east and west through the northernmost point of Helvick Head, and a line passing due east and west through the southernmost point of Ballinacourty Head, Co. Waterford.
(b) Provides that, to the north and east of the line through Ballinacourty Head, and to the south and west of the line through Helvick Head, such trammel or moored nets may be set and remain set in the water between 3 p.m. and the following 9 a.m. during January, March, October, November and December in each year, and between 5 a.m. and the following 7 a.m. during the months of May to September inclusive.
(ii) (a) Prohibits having such nets athwart or within 200 yards (182.38m) of any boat which at the time of setting such net is moored and the crew thereof engaged in line fishing.
(b) Provides that at least one floating buoy or board, upon which is painted in legible characters not less that one inch (2.54cm) in length, in white upon black ground, the letter of the District and the name of the net's owner, be attached to every train of such trammel or moored nets."
Of more relevance to contemporary fishing activities is EC Regulation 3094/86 and amendments thereto, which lays down technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources. This regulation provides that in respect of any trawls, Danish Seine or similar towed net, the mesh shall be a minimum size of 80mm.