John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the strategy in place to protect valuable marine life; and if there are any future strategies currently being explored. [28636/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is presumed that the Deputy's reference to "valuable marine life" concerns the exploitation of fishery resources. The management of fishery resources in an EU context is governed by the Common Fisheries Policy. This policy sets out a number of strategies for the protection of fishery resources, including a strengthened control and enforcement system, recovery plans for stocks outside safe biological limits, action to address the problem of the discarding of juvenile fish catches, and catch and effort limitations. Furthermore, following a conference organised by the Irish Presidency in 2004 on environmentally friendly fishing methods, and discussions to be held with member states and stakeholders, the Commission is expected to bring forward a new proposal on technical conservation measures in 2006.