Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

29 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the use of enormous lengths of tangle nets offshore by French and Spanish fishermen is having a major effect on stocks of monkfish; and his views on a ban or limitation on lengths of these nets and restrictions on these nets being left unattended. [3735/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

There are no limitations under EU legislation on the use of tangle nets. Such limitations introduced unilaterally under national legislation could apply to Irish vessels only.

I share the concerns about the potential adverse impact of certain fishing methods, including long tangle nets, on fish stocks, juvenile fish and spawning grounds. At my recent meeting with the Spanish Fisheries Minister I stressed the need for enhanced conservation in the monk and hake fishery and we agreed that officials should review the scope for additional technical measures which could be taken up with the EU Commission and the other member states concerned.