Vol. 479 No. 2
400 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine the action, if any, he intends to take on trawlers coming right up to the shore at Porturlin, Ballina, County Mayo, in view of the fact that they damage the local fishermens' crab pots. [12602/97]
Certain categories of large trawlers are prohibited from fishing within 12 miles of base lines. It is not realistic to ban all trawling activity in every area where crab pots or other static gear are deployed. The Department has consistently encouraged a non-confrontational approach to resolving problems and has actively promoted dialogue between both sides.
The Department introduced a mutually agreed code of practice for both local fishermen and trawlermen which is designed to minimise the risk to crab and lobster pots from trawling activities.
The adoption of the code of practice has widespread support and has been effective in substantially reducing the levels of lost or damaged gear. The Killybegs Fishermens Organisation and the North West Lobstermens Association were both involved in the negotiation of the code of practice and supported its introduction.
These arrangements offer the fishermen concerned scope for peaceful co-existence and acknowledges the rights of all sides to expect that their legitimate interests will be respected and their livelihoods protected. The situation will be kept under review and if there are particular incidents needing attention, they will be carefully investigated with a view to facilitating fair and equitable solutions.
401 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine the protection, if any, which can be given to the fishermen at Porturlin, Ballina, County Mayo, from the Navy to prevent large trawlers entering their 12 mile zone and damaging their pots. [12603/97]
Certain categories of larger fishing vessels are precluded from fishing within 12 miles of the base lines. For example, all vessels licensed under the special whitefish scheme are prohibited from fishing within 12 miles of the base lines. This restriction also applies to the refrigerated sea water (RSW) boats operating mainly out of Killybegs, except during the horse mackerel fishery.
It is neither practical nor realistic to ban all trawling activity in every area where crab pots or other static gear may be deployed within the 12 miles limit. There have been a number of incidents over the years which have resulted in damage or loss of gear owned by lobster and crab fishermen as well as static gear employed by driftnetters. This has been the cause of considerable tension between local crab and lobster fishermen and trawlermen.
The fishery protection service is responsible for the enforcement of sea fishery regulations in Irish waters, including inside the 12 mile limit. The Naval Service is aware of the restrictions on large trawlers, and vessels are liable to be detained if found engaging in illegal fishing activities.
