Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
1168. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total mackerel quota allocated to Ireland; if it is planned to increase the amount of mackerel quota available to the inshore fleet which includes the majority of boat owners but only a fraction of the fishing effort for 2022 from the present quota of 400 tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's quota for Mackerel in 2021 was set at 60,847 tonnes.
Management of the national mackerel quota is set down in Ministerial Policy which has been developed and put in place over a number of years. The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metres) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and lines was set down in 2010. The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however, this amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.
In order to consider any review of mackerel policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it will require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.
There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. In addition, the relevant Coastal States have agreed an overall mackerel TAC for the North-East Atlantic for 2022 that involves a 7% reduction on the 2021 TAC level. These reductions will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota allocation for any group of vessels, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.
