Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

87. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if compensation will be made available to eel fishermen; if funding is available for a study of eel stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20433/13]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Colreavy will be aware, the 2007 EU eel regulations, drafted in response to the endangered status of the European eel, required EU states, including Ireland, to develop eel management plans. Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland close both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries in 2008.

In June 2012, the status of eel in Ireland, and across Europe, was reviewed as part of the reporting requirement for the 2007 EU regulation. This included a comprehensive scientific assessment of the status of the eel stocks nationally. Other EU member states carried out similar reviews. The review in Ireland recommended that the closure of both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries should continue in line with the conservation imperative. Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, has made the relevant reports on eel stocks available on its website, including the national eel stock recovery plan, the status of eel stocks in Ireland and the implementation of the eel management plan for Ireland.

The review of eel stocks in Europe is a shared concern involving many countries on a pan-European basis. As the EU regulation requires member states to report on national measures and reassess every three years, the scientific and management review is ongoing and is mainstreamed into the work of Inland Fisheries Ireland. As previously outlined in the House, no property right attaches to public eel licences and consequently the issue of compensation does not arise given that the closure of the fishery was applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts. In that context I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the current economic climate the Government does not have funds available to provide for compensation payments.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not dispute the scientific evidence on declining stocks of eels. The evidence indicates that stocks continued to decline in 2012. What is also beyond dispute, however, is that eel fishermen have lost their livelihood by virtue of a decision taken by the Government and the EU in 2009. The price for glass eels internationally ranges between €575 and €730 per kilogram, with approximately 3,000 glass eels per kilogram. In France and Spain the glass eel is described as blue gold. The island of Ireland would require just eight to ten tonnes of glass eels to restock its waters. I remind the Minister of State that when the Shannon fisheries were closed in 1968, fishermen received compensation. There is also EU precedent for compensating eel fishermen. I ask him to reconsider the question of compensating eel fishermen. Their income has gone because of the regulations introduced by this Government and the EU. Will he consider putting in the eight to ten tonnes of glass eels needed to restock Irish waters?

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Colreavy acknowledged the serious situation that exists in regard to the availability of eels. By 2011, glass eel recruitment had fallen to 5% of the levels obtaining between 1960 and 1979. For every 100 glass eels available in the 1960s and 1970s, only five are available now. It is possible that the stocks could disappear and that eels could become extinct in this generation. We must conserve eels as a viable entity in the animal world. I presume that as eels become rare their price increases. Our job is to conserve and protect them on a three year cycle. If and when eel stocks recover the fisheries will be reopened but this will not happen any time soon.

I appreciate the Deputy's point in regard to the salmon hardship scheme and the compensation that may have been paid to other fishermen in the past but that was a long time ago and our economic circumstances mean that the requisite funding is not currently available. I am advised that IFI is investigating potential sources of EU funding but it is unable to confirm any such potential at this stage.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand the economic pressures we currently face but eel fishermen are also dealing with economic pressures.

Much of the available scientific data appears to indicate that the problem lies somewhere between the Saragossa Sea and Irish waters. Restocking Irish waters with eel could be a good measure to rebuild the eel population here and elsewhere. Our failure to increase stock levels means we may be losing out on an opportunity that would have benefits far beyond Irish waters.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The life cycle of the eel is between 20 and 50 years. Eels leave Irish waters to breed in the Saragossa Sea, which is thousands of kilometres away, and drift back to the European landmass on the currents. The purpose of all of our actions is to conserve the eel stock and ensure eels survive and are able to get out to sea. It will take a long time for stocks to recover, which means it will not be possible to commercially exploit eels for a significant period, if ever. Our only hope for the future is to allow stocks to recover and we banned all commercial fisheries for this reason. Any decision to allow eel fishing would result in stocks being decimated.