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Inshore Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Ceisteanna (772)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

772. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to protect inshore fishermen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This Government has committed to the development of the inshore 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.

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 scallop off the coast of Wexford. Public consultations were also held earlier this year (2018) on proposed management measures recommended to me by the NIFF in respect of brown crab and razor clam in the North Irish Sea.

I also recently undertook a public consultation process to examine the arrangements for trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and inside the baselines. This consultation ended on 11 June 2018.

Over 1,000 responses were received in relation to the public consultation and these are currently being examined. Taking into account the submissions received and following any necessary further analysis I will carefully consider any possible measures to be introduced. My decision will be published on the Department’s website as early as possible.

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