Technical conservation measures are an integral part of the Common Fisheries Policy and are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks by conserving and pro tecting juvenile and undersize fish. EU conservation regulations prescribe, among other measures, minimum mesh sizes for fixed and towed gear which may be used in various fisheries as well as landing sizes of fish and shellfish.
I am aware of allegations that certain fishing vessels operating off the south-west coast are using gear which does not conform with the EU technical conservation regulations. I assure the Deputy that I take a very serious view of the matter. Illegal fishing of this nature is detrimental to the conservation of fish stocks which is already under pressure. My Department has, therefore, requested the Naval Service to be highly vigilant in relation to checking fishing gear during boardings of fishing vessels at sea. My Department's sea fisheries officers are intensifying their port based inspections of nets and gear of fishing vessels for compliance with conservation regulations. The Deputy can be assured that appropriate action will follow in every case where illegal gear is found to be in use.
I have already underlined to Commissioner Fischler the need for enhanced EU conservation measures over and above those already in place. Greater protection for undersized and juvenile fish stocks is required. With the support of the Irish fishing industry and backed up by the work of the CFP strategy group on technical conservation, I will continue to press the case in the coming months. In the meantime, ensuring and enforcing compliance with existing conservation measures will continue to be a key priority for our fishery protection services.