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Fishing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2018

Thursday, 26 April 2018

Ceisteanna (194)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which fishing remains a viable option for fishing dependent families throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18514/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This Government has recognised the importance of the seafood sector to local communities, as well as the national economy, and has committed to supporting the development of a larger and more sustainable fishing sector on the basis of sustainable stocks. In 2017, Irish seafood exports were valued at €614 million, an increase of 9% from 2016. In fact, according to Bord Bia, Ireland’s seafood exports have increased in value by 89% since 2009. Neighbouring countries, such as France, Spain, the UK, Italy and Germany, account for approximately 61% of our seafood exports. Irish seafood producers have also established successful business relationships right around the globe. In Asia for instance, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan now account for 11% of our exports.

The Government has committed to the development of the inshore fishing sector in the current Programme for a Partnership Government. The programme identifies a number of methods for supporting the sector, such as ensuring smaller inshore boats are given new opportunities for commercial fishing. Support is being provided under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme (EMFF OP) for enhanced management and conservation of inshore stocks, including v-notching of lobster, more selective fishing gear and preparation and implementation of management plans for a sustainable inshore fishery. Funding of some €6 million has been earmarked under the programme for the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme. The inshore sector has access to other schemes under the Programme as well. 

I meet regularly with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF). The NIFF and its supporting network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) cover the entire coast. The Inshore Forums provide a platform for the discussion of problems facing the inshore sea-fisheries sector and have been making recommendation to me on issues of concern for their sector.

The NIFF is taking the lead in setting priorities for the inshore sector, including developing for the first time a dedicated strategy. From my meetings with the NIFF, I have introduced a number of industry-led initiatives, developed through the forum structures, following extensive consultation.  These include conservation measures for inshore stocks such as velvet crab and ongoing work on proposed measures in respect of brown crab and razor clam. These conservation measures are aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of these stocks and thereby the sector.

The issue of limiting access to different categories of vessels in inshore waters and within 6 nautical miles has been raised by a number of stakeholders. My Department is currently in the final stages of preparing a formal paper including possible options. I hope to be in a position to present this paper for a full public consultation in the coming days.

The potential impact of limiting access to different categories of vessels in inshore waters and within 6 nautical miles has been the subject of scientific and economic reports by the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. There has also been preliminary engagement with fisheries representative groups in respect of these reports. The forthcoming consultation paper will set out possible measures and their potential impacts.

The consultation will be advertised in the National press to ensure the widest possible audience. Once the public consultation begins, adequate time will be provided to ensure that the diverse interests of all stakeholders are considered and any possible measures will be fair and balanced, having regard to the importance of the industry to fishing-dependent families.

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