Charles Flanagan
Ceist:98 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the priority conservation measures in policy agreed with Commissioner Fischler on 28 March 2000. [12901/00]
Written Answers. - Fish Stocks.
At a meeting with Commissioner Fischler on 28 March, I impressed on him the priority need for further sustained action to conserve juvenile fish stocks in particular and fish stocks generally. I outlined the additional specific technical conservation measures recommended by the national CFP strategy group following extensive consultation with the Irish fishing industry and which I fully endorse. The Commissioner undertook to have the Irish proposals examined by his services. In the immediate term, the Commission has brought forward proposals for additional technical conservation measures to protect stocks in the Irish Sea as an adjunct to the measures put in place this spring. These will be tabled at the June Fisheries Council and I will seek the support of EU colleagues for a workable package of Irish Sea conservation measures acceptable to the fishing industry.
The Commission also agreed at my request to progress with the relevant member states, a pilot programme for observers on large pelagic boats to address the problem of discards and grading. The Commission will convene a meeting of those involved to advance the issue.
Ireland will continue to be the fore at EU level in pressing the conservation imperative together with the need for transparent and consistent enforcement across member states, in the interests of fish stocks and the industry.