Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:284 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of cod recovery plan proposals for the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
284 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of cod recovery plan proposals for the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraA cod recovery plan for the Irish Sea was agreed at last December's Fisheries Council and its provisions are now applicable to vessels operating there. The plan provides for a progressive recovery of the Irish Sea cod stock to a safe biological level over a period of time. The main elements to achieve this objective include limitations on catch and fishing effort, strengthened control and enforcement and also a seasonal closure during springtime to protect spawning cod aggregations. This seasonal closure covers the period from mid February to end April and was a particular priority of Ireland in its approach to the development of this recovery plan. I am satisfied that these recovery measures represent a balanced and reasonable approach to the recovery of this important stock.