Vol. 571 No. 1
747 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to restrict boats to 400 pots, capable of catching lobster and crab, per boat between the coast and the six mile limit line (details supplied) within the south Wexford/east Waterford inshore area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/03]
My Department has not proposed that boats fishing between the coast and the six-mile limit line within the south Wexford-east Waterford inshore area should be restricted to 400 lobster and crab pots per boat. However, I am advised that two local inshore fishermen's co-operatives, the South Wexford Lobster Co-op and the East Waterford Lobster Co-op, have sought support from inshore fishermen in the area for a voluntary limit on pot numbers inside the six-mile limit.
I have asked Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, to work with local inshore groups with a view to putting in place an effective management and conservation measure for inshore stocks around the coast. I understand that BIM is working actively with local groups and will be considering appropriate measures for inshore stocks in the area.
