Vol. 500 No. 3
17 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that trawlers are being adapted at great expense to catch razor clams in view of the fact that no regulations exist for this species and Ireland stands to lose heavily unless urgent regulations are introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3820/99]
The objective of the management and development of the emerging razor clam fishery is to ensure the conservation and sustainable exploitation of razor clam stocks. My Department is working in close co-operation with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute on the development of research and management strategies for the fishery, together with management and legal measures to regulate fishing and prevent excessive exploitation of stocks.
