Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

26 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of the key recommendations of the task force on the management and marketing of herrings implemented by his Department in 1999; and the effect, if any, it has on the herring fishing industry this season. [24656/99]

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

The key recommendations of the herring task force have been fully implemented. The quality training programmes for the dry-hold herring fleet and for the herring processing sector have been completed. The industry-led Herring Industry Marketing Group, which will develop and co-ordinate industry strategies to maximise returns to the herring sector and to act as a forum for dialogue and concerted action, has been established for some time. In this regard, of particular advantage has been the recent appointment of a pelagic market co-ordinator, recommended by the task force, who is now working with the industry on the ground to further develop market co-ordination and co-operative strategies for the herring industry.

A key recommendation of the task force was that market research and fishing trials should be undertaken to identify new fisheries and optimum fishing times and opportunities for herring in terms of roe, maatje and fillet markets. These trials have been completed and the results are being examined.

I have also provided grant aid towards feasibility research and development trials into alternative loading and unloading systems and technical gear innovations. The task force underlined the importance of loading and unloading systems and gear in the maintenance and improvement of product quality and returns. This work is ongoing.

The task force recommended that industry participation in the management of the herring fisheries should be enhanced by the management advisory committee. This has also been implemented, in consultation with the industry, through the setting up of committees in the Celtic Sea and north west herring fisheries.

The task force recommended that the necessary strategies to deliver and resource herring assessment and survey programmes should be put in place. At my request the Marine Institute extended its herring catch sampling programme and resumed acoustic surveys. I also asked the Institute to develop a practical partnership approach with the industry including participation by fishermen in stock assessment programmes.

The remaining recommendations made by the task force are also being actively progressed. these include the development of funded research and development programmes and the carrying out of studies into herring offal use, the investigation into the potential markets for herring milt, management and conservation initiatives for the north west herring fishery, adjustments to the management regime in the Celtic Sea fishery, a review of market support regimes and funding of fish processing projects.

There are continuing difficulties in the market for Irish herring producers and processors. These difficulties are due primarily to external factors over which we have no control. The implementation of the recommendations of the task force report are an important step in strengthening the Irish industry. The focus will continue to be on developing new market opportunities and maximising quality and competitiveness in order to deliver best possible prices for Irish product.