Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
82 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the deteriorating situation regarding the fishing industry and employment; its implications for the general economic well-being of that area in south west County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13512/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor many years, the south west County Donegal area has been to the forefront in Ireland's fishing industry, providing valuable permanent and seasonal employment opportunities in coastal communities. This area is one of the leading centres of the Irish fishing industry and I believe that, notwithstanding certain job losses that have occurred recently, it will maintain its pre-eminent position in the future and contribute positively to the economic well-being of the area.
The fishing industry in Europe, and elsewhere, is generally experiencing some difficulties with fish stocks numbers. Against a backdrop of declining whitefish stocks in particular and consequent restrictions on catch levels, the primary challenge facing fishermen and their families is the need for effective conservation measures to provide for the sustainable exploitation of these stocks into the future.
The industry in County Donegal is significantly based on pelagic stocks and total allowable catch levels for these stocks are being maintained, while the level for blue whiting has substantially increased. New EU measures to strengthen control in pelagic fisheries were introduced this year as a consequence of concerns about illegal landings right across Europe. The introduction and effective implementation of these measures is critical to ensure the medium to long-term sustainability of fish stocks. My priority now is to ensure that control measures are fully implemented in all landing locations across Europe to deter illegal landings and ensure a level playing field for the fishing sector.
The high level of knowledge and expertise of the fishing industry in County Donegal, which comes from its lengthy involvement with marine matters, equips it well to successfully meet the challenges facing the sector. At EU level, Ireland has been at the forefront in pushing for enhanced technical conservation measures to protect fish stocks. This issue was addressed in detail at a ministerial and stakeholders conference, which I hosted in early March, on fast-tracking the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods. The consensus at this conference was that better and smarter fishing and the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods have a critical role to play in the development of the fishing industry. I intend, as President of the Council of Fisheries Ministers, to make significant progress on this issue during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.
The emphasis in ensuring sustainability of fish stocks will help to safeguard the future income of County Donegal fishermen and the seafood sector as a whole. My approach is entirely consistent with that of the Irish fishing industry and I will continue to liaise closely with the sector in order to maximise the positive contribution which the fishing sector makes to areas such as south west County Donegal.
