Vol. 542 No. 1
13 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will initiate discussions with representatives of lobster fishermen to put in place a system of regulation and enforcement to support the management measures being undertaken by many groups, notably the v-notching scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23410/01]
I have had a number of discussions with lobster fishermen and their representatives on the way forward for the management, regulation and development of the lobster sector. The Irish Lobster Association, which represents lobster co-operatives around the coast, has submitted detailed proposals for a licensing and management regime.
The issues were also debated at the Inshore Fisheries Seminar which I hosted in Carna last July. At the seminar I outlined a number of key initiatives which are under way to deliver new development and co-management strategies for the inshore fisheries sector including, notably, lobster fisheries.
Seven inshore fisheries committees supported by inshore development officers are now up and running around the coast. I have also established a national inshore fisheries co-ordination group involving BIM, the Marine Institute and my Department, which will work closely with the local inshore committee network to progress conservation measures as well as comprehensive proposals for management of inshore stocks.
As a priority, I have asked the co-ordination group to develop a framework for licensing and regulating the lobster and crustacean fishing sector, taking into account all relevant factors. The first step, which is under way, involves the development of a database of all boats and fishing activities in the inshore sector. The co-ordination group will be liaising closely with the local inshore fisheries committees in designing the framework. The effective enforcement at local level of conservation and management measures for inshore stocks will be a key part of the management regime.
I have underlined my support for lobster
v-notching programmes and the need to underpin the programmes with effective management and regulation regimes as well as providing the necessary funding to incentivise v-notching schemes. I have asked BIM to give particular priority to lobster conservation and development projects under the fisheries innovation and sustainability programme of the national development plan.
