Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to conserve the hibernation areas of eels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28002/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question No 270 of 20th June 2006, in which I referred to the EU Commission's proposal to introduce a regulation designed to assist in the recovery of the stock of European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The EU regulation will require the preparation of management plans for the recovery of eels in river basin districts as defined under the EU Water Framework Directive. It is too early to say what will be the precise content of such plans.

I am advised that the genetic evidence available at this time suggests that all, or at least most, European eels belong to a single (panmictic) spawning stock, which means that international co-operation is essential if eel stocks are to be effectively managed. The drastically reduced numbers of juvenile eels reaching all western European coastal areas, following their larval trans-Atlantic migration from the Sargasso Sea spawning area, is well documented. Those that arrive in Ireland do so in the period from November to March. They arrive off the coast as a glass eel and subsequently migrate into fresh water between May and September as elver or slightly older bootlace eel.

The EU Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and the Water Framework Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy as transposed into Irish law are each intended, inter alia, to protect, conserve and enhance the aquatic environment where eels spend the significant part of their life cycle. The success of measures for the recovery of the European eel stock depends on close cooperation and coherent action at Community, Member State and local and regional level. Primary responsibility for the implementation of these directives in Ireland is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.