Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dumping at Sea.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

335 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if EU policy on the dumping of rejected fish into the sea causes a diminution of the fish stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26581/03]

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

The discarding of rejected fish has become an increasing problem in recent years and is recognised as such by the fishing industry. It is a particular problem because the majority of fish discarded are undersized and immature and thus their spawning potential is lost.

While Community legislation requires the discarding of fish in certain circumstances, discards also occur for economic reasons such as the low commercial value of species or of individual fish. It is a complex problem, particularly in mixed fisheries such as those which prevail in Irish waters and one that is unlikely to be solved by piecemeal measures.

The need for a co-ordinated approach has been recognised. Last April the Agriculture and Fisheries Council approved a community action plan to reduce discards. A number of pilot projects will be undertaken to examine the feasibility of a number of possible solutions. These include reviews of the structure of fishing gears, minimum landing sizes by catch quotas, and the departure from fishing grounds where high rates of discarding occurs.

Ireland has been to the forefront in pressing for action on this issue and I support the community action plan. I will continue to press for early progress on this issue and I am confident that, with sufficient impetus, significant improvements can be achieved in this area.