David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent report by the Worldwide Fund for Nature that 13 of 15 species of marine life are in danger of extinction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3671/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The report to which the Deputy refers is a report entitled Marine Health Check 2005: A report to gauge the health of the UK's sea-life. This report is concerned with UK waters and argues for the introduction of particular national legislation. The report examines 16 marine species and habitats from an overall conservation perspective taking into account factors such as pollution, fishing, development and climate change. As the report is largely specific to the UK situation, it would not be useful for me to deal with much of its contents and, in addition, some of the species covered are protected in Irish waters under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the habitats directive.

Both Atlantic cod and Atlantic salmon are of considerable importance to Ireland. In the case of cod, the EU has agreed a long-term recovery plan for a wide range of stocks, including those to the west of Scotland and in the Irish Sea, which sets targets for the recovery of these stocks. Ireland has been to the forefront of cod recovery in the Irish Sea, driving the introduction of closed areas some time before the adoption of the long-term recovery plan. In the Celtic Sea, an industry led closure of an area was agreed at Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. I am confident that these recovery plans will provide for the recovery of these important stocks and ensure sustainable exploitation.

In the case of Atlantic salmon, the management of the Irish salmon fisheries, which limits both the commercial and angling fishing seasons and restricts the number of fish being caught, clearly demonstrates a commitment to the conservation of the wild salmon stock. It is the Government's belief that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

With regard to basking shark, one of the species examined in the report, all fishing for this species is now totally prohibited in the waters around Ireland and the UK under the Common Fisheries Policy.

Action was taken under the Irish EU Presidency at Agriculture and Fisheries Council to protect the harbour porpoise through the introduction of a regulation addressing cetacean by-catch in certain fisheries.