John Gormley
Ceist:19 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the estimated value of fish caught by registered boats of European Union member states, other than Ireland, for each of the years 1992 to 1997. [12307/98]
Written Answers. - Fish Catches.
I take it that the Deputy's question relates to the catches of other member states in the Irish fisheries zone. This zone is not currently used as a basis for fisheries statistics, catch data or stock assessments. They are compiled by individual member states, including Ireland, for their own fleets by reference to the ICES fishery zones rather than national zones.
The basis for firm estimates of total catches and the value of these catches in Irish waters by other member states is not therefore currently available. I am strongly of the view that achieving a better level of data on all catches in Irish waters is an essential objective. The EU should develop a reliable common database on all aspects of EU fisheries including stocks, catches, landings and sales. This is essential management information and is particularly critical for Ireland as a coastal state with a high level of fishing activity by other member states in our waters.
Based on available data sources at our disposal, we have estimated that approximately one million metric tonnes of fish are caught annually in the Irish zone with a first sale value of some £700 million. The value of the Irish fleet catch as a component of this is more than £150 million.
This is an indicative estimate only for the reasons I have outlined. I has asked the Department to work with the Marine Institute and BIM to review available data and develop methodologies which would further quantify existing estimates of catches in the Irish zone. I will also be pressing at EU level for the development of the necessary data bases by the Commission with the co-operation of all member states.