Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2018
414. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of restrictions that are in place as part of cod recovery measures in ICES fisheries management area 6a; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that Regulation (EU) 2018/973 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2018 (the 2018 North Sea Multi Annual Plan (MAP)) repealed Council Regulation (EC) No 1342/2008 (establishing a long term plan for cod stocks) in its entirety with effect from 5th August 2018.
The EU Commission has made a proposal for the management of demersal stocks in Western Waters which covers Areas 6 and 7. This proposal is currently being negotiated between the Council and European Parliament with the aim of achieving fishing at sustainable levels for all demersal stocks in Western Waters.
Technical Measures requirements will continue to apply as set out in EC Regulation 850/98 as amended. These include additional measures put in place to help protect cod, whiting and haddock in the north west (Area 6a).
Fishing capacity limits, as provided for in EU Regulation 1342/2008, will no longer apply. Determination No. 28, which I signed on 22 August 2018, removes the need for an authorisation to access ICES Area 6a and Area 7a.
The requirement to land quantities of cod greater than 2 tonnes from Areas 6a and 7a in a designated port has also been removed.
