Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he proposes to take to protect fish stocks with particular reference to cod and similar species; his views on whether measures can be found to protect the fishing industry and conserve stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22418/02]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

299 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the fish stocks identified as in greatest need of conservation; his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22591/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 299 together.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea – ICES – has provided scientific advice on the state of stocks for the 2003 fishing year. This advice involves wide ranging reductions, in some cases over 50%, in many of the whitefish fisheries of interest to Ireland. There are also large reductions recommended in the mackerel, herring and horse mackerel fisheries.

In relation to the cod stock in the Irish Sea and the stock west of Scotland, the advice recommends a closure of all fisheries for cod as a targeted species or by-catch. In respect of these stocks it also provides that where cod represents an incidental catch there should be stringent restrictions on the catch and discard rates of cod with effective monitoring of compliance with those restrictions. This advice was reviewed by of the Scientific, Technical, Economic Committee for Fisheries, STECF, a group of independent scientific, technical and economic experts appointed by the European Commission. STECF noted that there is serious concern about these stocks and that stock recovery is unlikely unless stringent management action is taken immediately.

There are no proposals at this time from the Commission for TACs for 2003. The Commission will bring forward proposals in the next few weeks for all stocks taking account of ICES advice and the comments of STECF. These proposals will be considered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. Recovery plans for Irish Sea cod and west of Scotland cod, involv ing closed areas to protect spawning grounds and fishing gear restrictions, are in place. A hake recovery plan is also in place involving larger mesh sizes to protect young fish, restrictions on fishing in nursery areas and strengthened controls. These plans were introduced in consultation with scientists and industry representatives to protect and rebuild these stocks. The Commission is pushing for the introduction of fishing effort limits – limits on days at sea – into these recovery plans. I consider that this tool is not appropriate for the Irish fleet and will be pressing for alternative measures that will provide the necessary protection for these key stocks.

In this regard, I will be seeking a more innovative approach from the Commission in relation to improving fishing technology and fishing practices under the Common Fisheries Policy, to avoid the current widespread catches of young fish and to provide protection for adult spawning fish. Ireland has been at the forefront in pushing for this type of development in the CFP. These type of measures in the existing recovery plans can be substantially strengthened and together with stringent enforcement, will provide the necessary protection to allow the stocks to rebuild.

Proposals for 2003 will be considered in the context of the scientific advice, current measures in place under the recovery plan and in consultation with the industry representatives in order to determine a national position taking account of the need to provide for the recovery of the cod stock and the needs of coastal communities dependent on fishing.