Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the purpose of the Sea Fisheries (Tuna and Certain Other Species) Fishing Regulations 2005; the number of authorisations which have been applied for and granted under these regulations; and if he intends to promote a commercial tuna fishing industry here. [34550/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of the Sea Fisheries (Tuna and Certain Other Species) Fishing Regulations 2005 is to implement EU Regulation 1329/98 which bans the fishing for albacore tuna by means of drift net. The S.I. allows for the fishing of this stock by other legal means. In Ireland, this fishery is pursued by means of pair trawling and long lining. Ireland can authorise up to 50 boats to fish for albacore tuna each year. In 2005, Ireland has a quota of 5,723 tonnes.

In 2005, there were 55 applications for an authorisation to fish for albacore tuna. This compares to 36 in 2004. A number of applicants were not considered eligible for an albacore tuna licence because they did not meet the requirements set in the S.I. The number of authorisations granted was the maximum 50 allowed. Where the Department was advised that licensed vessels were not in a position to fish in 2005, their licence was revoked and reissued to other boats where the owner expressed an interest in the fishery after the official closing date for applications.

I consider that the albacore tuna fishery offers excellent opportunities for Irish boats, insofar as Ireland has a large quota, which is not being fully taken up. Fishing trials carried out by BIM have already provided substantial support to interested fishermen to develop alternative fishing techniques. BIM will continue to provide technical support for operators in this fishery.