Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 394: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will postpone the implementation of S.I. 531 of 2007 to allow for consultation with stake-holders and an appropriate ecological impact assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25212/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Following detailed consultations that resulted in the introduction of a Management Plan for the Waterford Cockle Fishery the Fishery was opened under S.I. 531 of 2007 (Cockle (Fisheries Management and Conservation) (Waterford Estuary) Regulations 2007) with effect from 21 July 2007.

This precautionary and planned approach, that restricts the areas which may be fished and limits harvesting to one third of that potentially available, represents a fundamental change in how the Fishery is managed. The Fishery will remain open until the limit is exhausted or, at the latest, January 15th 2008. In advance of the 2008 Cockle Fishery a further assessment, inclusive of stakeholder consultation, will be carried out.