Robert Molloy
Ceist:112 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine the position regarding the development and management of the St. George Oyster Fishery, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Galway Fishery.
Responsibility for the development and management of this fishery is vested in BIM, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which has carried out a number of technical surveys and assessments of the area.
A number of development options for the oyster bed have been drawn up in the past but have not, to date, progressed beyond the discussion stage for a variety of technical and economic reasons. BIM has however, recently published a consultation document which outlines the potential of the resource and puts forward various options for its development and management. The document has been widely circulated by BIM to local oyster fishermen and co-operatives, local community interests and State agencies as well as local Oireachtas members and MEPs. This gives all concerned parties the opportunity to consider the options and submit their views. I understand that BIM has asked for responses by 17 December next.
I fully endorse the consultative approach adopted by BIM in the matter. I am also in full agreement with BIM's view that any strategy for the future development and management of the fishery must command the support of local interests and especially those actively engaged in the fishery as well as taking account of economic, technical, biological and marketing constraints and opportunities.
A development and management strategy for the fishery will be drawn up by BIM in light of the outcome of this consultative process. I am confident that a programme to monitor, manage and develop the resource based on consensus at local level is achievable.