Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

40 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the benefits gained from his decision to close off sections of the Irish sea from cod and shellfish fishing; and if he will review, in any such future closures, the need for prawn fishermen to be compensated for the effect this cod conservation measure has on them. [16774/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

In the light of scientific advice which indicated that cod stocks in the Irish Sea were in danger of total collapse and following detailed consultations with Ireland, other relevant member states and fishermen, the Commission introduced closed areas in the northern Irish Sea for a ten week period from mid-February. This measure was necessary to protect spawning cod. A small area of prawn grounds was affected during the period of the closure.

As I have previously advised the House, we successfully argued against the Commission's pro posals to close a much larger area. This was primarily to ensure that as much as possible of the prawn grounds were kept open to Irish fishermen and was supported by our own scientific analysis. BIM and the Marine Institute are carrying out exploratory trials on new prawn fishing gear which would enable prawn fishing to be carried out without negative impact on the cod stock. If the trials are successful the need to restrict prawn fishing in order to protect the cod stock can be reviewed.

A scientific report for the EU on the current state of the cod stock is being finalised. It is, however, too early to quantify the impact of this year's action on the state of the spawning stock. In the light of the consultations and analysis earlier this year, the Commission is also proposing new technical conservation measures to reduce the outtake of juvenile cod in the Irish Sea. It will take a number of years and continued action before Irish Sea cod stocks fully recover. Proposals for closures in the Irish Sea for 2001 will be the subject of comprehensive consultations both nationally and at European level. I strongly encourage east coast fishermen to keep in close touch with their organisations and with the Department in the months ahead. The involvement and input of Irish fishermen into these negotiations is critical.

The Irish Sea conservation measures are vital to ensure a viable future for cod stocks and for east coast fishermen. The closures this year were of short duration and limited impact in terms of fishing activity overall. As I have previously advised the House, I do not consider that there is a case for compensation. In the negotiations ahead we will continue to ensure that the urgent task of rebuilding cod stocks takes into account as far as possible the needs of all fishermen.