Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2016
3. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the implementation of a catch-and-release bluefin tuna angling fishery in the north west; if he will ask for a quota to facilitate this potentially important tourism initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2363/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to a submission the Minister's Department has received from angling operators in the north west on the potential of a catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishery. There is significant tourism potential and it is something many inshore fishermen could use to supplement their income throughout the year, especially during the off-season months of September and October when such fishing could take place.
As the Deputy knows, Atlantic bluefin tuna is a highly regulated species, with annual catch limits set by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, ICCAT, based on scientific advice. Within the European Union, quota shares were allocated in 1998 to member states on the basis of track record. Ireland, which did not have a track record of fishing for bluefin tuna, does not have a quota.
The unequivocal advice from the European Commission is that a recreational fishery for bluefin tuna is not legally possible in the absence of a national bluefin tuna quota. We do not have such a quota and it is extremely unlikely that we could obtain one, as it would involve reducing the share of the total allowable catch of those EU member states that do have quotas and for which bluefin tuna is an important commercial fishery.
Ireland does have access to a small bluefin by-catch quota as part of the albacore tuna fishery. This by-catch quota is also available to other member states and cannot be used for recreational or sport fisheries, even in the context of catch and release, since it does not allow the targeting of bluefin tuna. There is a possibility of Ireland participating in an ICCAT scientific research programme on bluefin tuna that would require the use of experienced vessel operators. My Department is investigating the possibility of Ireland participating in this scientific tag and release programme. In this regard, the Marine Institute and BIM have undertaken to examine the parameters for a research proposal to engage in the ICCAT Atlantic-wide research programme for bluefin tuna. This process is in its very early stages and, once completed, the proposal will have to be submitted for approval to the European Commission in the first instance before seeking sanction from the ICCAT. We are examining whether we can consider a catch-and-release programme under the auspices of a research project around the sale of the stock. Without a quota, we are really limited in what we can do, which I know is frustrating, given the fact that they are off the north-west coast.
The Minister's answer is basically the same as the one he gave me six months ago when I raised this question. It goes to the heart of the European Union's fisheries policy. The Minister has referred to the fact that a country has to have a track record of fishing for bluefin tuna to be able to secure a quota. I have tabled another parliamentary question today on the issue of track records. Lithuania was allocated a scad and mackerel quota off the west coast of Ireland, despite never having fished here or having a track record. How can that be? They are European Union rules. The people who have researched catch-and-release schemes for bluefin tuna estimated that a quota of about 3 tonnes would be required to make this a viable proposition. The European Union's quota for bluefin tuna was approximately 22,000 tonnes in 2014. Is the Minister seriously saying we, as a nation, cannot go to the European Union to ask for a quota of 3 tonnes for bluefin tuna to do something that could assist those involved in the inshore fishing community who need our help?
The Deputy knows exactly how quotas are allocated. He and others would advocate having a track record system in certain instances when it suited our fleet. One example is the European Union's boarfish quota, of which Ireland has 85% because a track record system is used. Having a track record or not can work for or against a fleet, but the bottom line is that once decisions are made - they were made long before I came along - reversing and changing them is very difficult because for one person to gain somebody else has to lose. We are very protective of our boarfish quota and do not want to give any of it away. Even though the United Kingdom, for example, wants more, we say "No" because of the deal reached. I agree with the Deputy. I would love us to have access to a bluefin tuna quota, even a small amount, in order that we could create a sport tourism fisheries proposition which could prove very viable. I will examine the issue and speak to the Commissioner about it. He understands the position on the catching of tuna very well, given the fact that he comes from Malta. I give the Deputy a commitment that I will explore the opportunities available, but it will not be easy for us to say the European Union has to give us a quota, given the fact that there was a basis for the decision made and that bluefin tuna stocks are about the most sensitive in the Atlantic. They are also managed differently from other stocks because of the ICCAT. They are not discussed and negotiated in the normal way other quotas are in December. To be fair, the Deputy probably knows this.
I do, but the reality is that it would involve a maximum of 3 tonnes out of a quota of 22,000 tonnes across the European Union. It is welcome that the Minister has said he will discuss the matter with the Commissioner. That is progress because the Minister said previously that there was no point in even asking for a quota. If we do not go looking for something, we will never get it. I take on board what the Minister said about track records, but we are not looking to have a major commercial fishery or anything that would impact on any commercial fishery across the European Union. The quota for which we are asking might never be caught. I understand it has been estimated that there is about a 1% mortality rate in a catch-and-release fishery. The quota would be insignificant in terms of what would actually happen. What we are looking for is, therefore, entirely reasonable. If we do not start a conversation with the Commission, we will never ever get a decision on the matter. It is welcome that the Minister has said he will start the conversation because that is progress.
I am the kind of person who looks for every opportunity to obtain more fishing rights. I hope the fishing industry understands we fight for every scrap we can get in a European context. I have a good relationship with the Commissioner. I can speak to him about the issue and we can explore the opportunities available. We are examining how Ireland could fit into a broader research programme which might allow for a catch-and-release initiative. I do not want to over-promise and under-deliver. I will, however, raise the issue to see whether we can make some progress on it.
