Fishing Industry Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017

Thursday, 23 February 2017

Ceisteanna (377)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

377. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of Irish fishing waters out of total EU fishing waters on a percentage basis; the total amount of UK fishing waters out of total EU fishing waters on a percentage basis; the percentage of total EU fishing waters Ireland would comprise if the UK were to leave the EU and the CFP at a future date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9445/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is important to note that borders and maritime delineations are in the first instance a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, I can provide you with our working figures for the purposes of preparing our analyses of the potential implications of Brexit for the Irish fishing industry.

Our figures show that the total EU Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (200 miles) is 7,044,000 square kilometres. The Irish EEZ is 438,000 square kilometres, this amounts to 6.22% of the EU EEZ. The UK EEZ is 747,000 square kilometres, which is 10.6% of the EU EEZ. Once the UK leaves the EU, the total EU EEZ will be reduced to 6,297,000 square kilometres. The Irish share will then be 6.96% of the total EU EEZ.