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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the protection of endangered fish species with particular reference to EU catch regulations and tonnage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17090/02]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the protection of fish stocks which are over exploited or at risk of depletion. The Common Fisheries Policy provides for the conservation and rational exploitation of fisheries resources through a range of instruments, including through the determination of maximum annual catch levels, total allowable catch, TAC, and fleet management rules, multi annual guidance programme, MGP.

TACs for the various fish stocks are established each year by the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers taking account of scientific advice provided by fisheries biologists on the state of stocks. The scientific advice is based on a precautionary approach whereby signposts are set giving information on the status of the stock in relation to predefined limits that should be avoided to ensure that stocks and their exploitation remain within safe biological limits. This precautionary approach ensures that where stocks are judged over exploited or at risk of depletion the TAC will be reduced to enable the stock to rebuild.

In the recent past, the Community has put in place recovery plans in respect of cod in the Irish Sea, hake off the south of Ireland and cod off the west of Scotland in order to focus measures on the recovery of these stocks which are deemed to be at risk of depletion. These stocks are important to Ireland and the Irish industry has been involved in the preparation of the plans. The starting point for these recovery plans is a substantial reduction in the annual TAC. This is followed by conservation measures to protect spawning grounds and juveniles. The plans, which have received the full backing of the Irish fishing industry, should ensure that stocks are rebuilt over a medium timeframe.

Fleet capacity reductions have been established in member states through MGP programmes in order to bring a balance between fishing fleets and available fishing resources. The current programme, MGP IV, involves reductions in the capacity of Ireland's multipurpose fleet and reductions in fishing effort for the pelagic and beam trawl segments of the fleet. MGP IV expires at the end of 2002. In the Commission's proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy significant changes in the management tools for the fleet and the operation of TACs are envisaged. These changes involve a multi-annual approach to the establishment of TACs and the transfer of responsibility from Council to the Commission. In relation to fleet policy, the Commission is proposing to establish a restrictive effort regime which would substantially reduce the size of the Irish fleet.
I am not satisfied with significant aspects of the Commission's proposals and I am working to ensure that changes introduced under the reform are appropriate and effective, will ensure the long-term sustainability of stocks and continue to support the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing.
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