Vol. 502 No. 5
31 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he is taking to secure a limitation under EU legislation on the use of tangle nets; and his views on whether nets up to a length of 75 miles are in use by French and Spanish fishing boats with devastating effects on stocks of monkfish. [8478/99]
There are no limitations at present under EU legislation on the use of tangle nets. Any such limitations introduced unilaterally under national legislation could apply only to Irish vessels.
I share the concerns about the potential adverse impact of certain fishing methods, including very long tangle nets, on fish stocks, juvenile fish and spawning grounds. At my recent meeting with the Spanish Fisheries Minister I stressed to her the need for enhanced conservation in the monk and hake fishery and we agreed that officials should review together the scope for additional technical measures which could be taken up with the EU Commission and the other member states concerned. This meeting is being organised for after Easter. In addition, I have asked BIM, the Marine Institute and the fishing industry to work together on new proposals based on the science and practical experience and knowledge of fishermen for improved technical conservation measures in the monk and hake fishery. We will then progress these with the Commission and other relevant member states.
