Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the catch by species in Irish waters in the past year; the way in which this compares with ten years ago; the degree to which conservation methods are ensuring continuation of stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25963/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made arrangements for the preparation of a tabular statement comparing 1993 and 2003 catch levels for all species. As soon as this analysis is complete, I will forward it directly to the Deputy.
Stock conservation methods are governed by the Common Fisheries Policy. The reform of the CFP in 2002 included a heightened emphasis on the need for enhanced conservation of fish stocks and in line with this overall policy, the stock conservation effort is currently being intensified through the deployment of such instruments as tighter catch limitations, fishing effort restrictions, technical measures and strengthened control and enforcement provisions. I believe that these measures can contribute to an improvement in the position of many fish stocks and can provide the basis for a sustainable future for fishermen.
