Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1583. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with inshore fishers, their representative organisations, and their producer organisations concerning his plans for the implementation of the EU Action Plan on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13688/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the European Commission recently published a package of fisheries policy communications including a plan to protect and restore marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries. The actions proposed seek to reduce the impact of fishing activities on the marine environment, doing so sustainably, and finding the right balance environmentally and in terms of economically viable fishing is of utmost importance.
The fishing sector in particular is highly dependent on a healthy marine environment, and its own environmental impacts, where relevant, need to be managed in an appropriate manner. As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have responsibilities towards the marine environment and ensuring that sea-fishing and aquaculture activities are conducted in a manner that avoids the deterioration of designated features of Natura 2000 conservations sites or the significant disturbance of protected species within those sites. The majority of the marine Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) are inshore, within six nautical miles. A series of appropriate assessments and risk assessments have been undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Marine Institute over the years with regard to sea-fishing and aquaculture activities in or near Natura 2000 sites. Mitigation measures have been introduced where required to manage the risks posed to these sites.
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and provides supports to achieve food security through the supply of seafood products, growth of a sustainable blue economy and healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans. Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme not only supports the industry directly, but also assists in meeting obligations under the CFP and targets in relation to sustainability and biodiversity.
I work with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) in facilitating their engagement in policy initiatives and in the managing and planning for inshore fisheries. Constructive discussions have been held around industry priorities and exploring new opportunities for diversification. I continue to engage with the inshore sector, with the NIFF and the two EU Producer Organisations focused on inshore related matters, the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) and the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) to address any challenges, issues and concerns facing the sector and to seek their input into the development of initiatives.
I am committed to supporting the Irish fishing industry, including the inshore sector, to operate in a sustainable manner and to continue working towards achieving and maintaining good environmental status in Irish waters.
