Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current situation regarding the bye law banning the fishing of eels in the country which has not been renewed by the Minister since 2018; if the ban on eel fishing remains in place; and if not, if it is currently subject to review. [14617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EC Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 of 18 September 2007 established measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel and required Ireland to establish eel management plans for implementation in 2009. The existing conservation measures in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) agreed by the EU under EC Regulation 1100/2007 remain in place.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources concluded a comprehensive public consultation process on Ireland's Eel Management Plan as part of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 reviews, under EU Council Regulation 1100/2007. The next review is due in 2024.
In September 2023 at an interagency and interdepartmental meeting of the relevant bodies (IFI, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Loughs Agency, D/AFM, D/ECC, Marine Institute) to evaluate the National Eel Management Plan, agreement was reached to focus on full implementation of the Eel Regulation to ensure the establishment of measures for the recovery of the stock of European Eel. A new draft Bye-Law which will continue to ban the fishing of eels in the country whilst further strengthening the conservation measures of European Eels in Ireland has been drafted and is currently being finalised for issuing.
