Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to improve the marine environment by implementing environmental and inshore management systems and supporting efficient waste management, environmentally friendly fishing gear and technical innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18278/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM continues to be involved in many local and international collaborative projects that cover issues related to the marine and coastal environment, responsible fishing and aquaculture, and the sustainability of seafood supplies.

Of prime importance is BIM's Position Statement on Responsible Fishing and Aquaculture, which is a blueprint of BIM's themes of responsibility, and sets out a direction for ensuring responsible and sustainable development of stocks from fisheries and aquaculture.

With specific reference to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in the catching sector, BIM is currently undertaking a pilot project entitled Seafood EMS — Green Chooser, which is helping four co-operatives to assess and improve their environmental and business performance. Similar projects undertaken in Australia have won several environmental awards and the EMS project is run with assistance from Seafood Services Australia. Foyle, Clogherhead, Malin Head and Union Hall co-operatives are involved in the scheme, which aims to improve quality of the product, of services, and of business relationships; to introduce provenance to buyers and create an advantage in the marketplace; and to ensure responsible practices are put in place. These include waste management, energy management, fuel efficiency, responsible fishing, use of environmentally friendly fishing gear, and development of corporate social responsibility, all of which can ultimately be incorporated into a Seafood EMS. This is an ongoing process that allows companies to constantly review and manage risks related to the environment, fish quality, profitability and public perception.

80 per cent of Ireland's fishing fleet works in the inshore fishery, catching crustaceans such as crab, lobster and shrimp, and molluscs including scallop, whelk, clams and cockles. Sustainable management of this resource is thus vital, both from a fisheries and a community perspective. BIM in consultation with the Marine Institute and industry has prepared a Management Framework for Shellfisheries, which sets out a structure to deliver a sustainable and viable shellfish industry. It is based on the preparation of long-term management plans for individual species, with achievable biological, economic and social targets and goals.

Several important measures are already under way that have had a major impact. Most recently a discussion document was launched on 28th April entitled "Managing access to the lobster fishery". This document is designed to be the basis for discussion and agreement with industry on a long-term viable and sustainable management plan(s) for the Lobster Fishery.

Management of waste fishing gear is a vital part of caring for the environment and until recently landfill sites presented the only option for fishermen to dispose of old netting. To address these problems, BIM has looked at ways to recycle monofilament netting and undertaken a thorough analysis of the practicalities, logistics and costs of providing a waste management system for industry.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase supports to assist fishermen to make the changeover to more environmentally friendly fishing gear and more fuel efficient equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18279/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am happy to state that in meeting the commitment in the Programme for Government, the "Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear and Fuel Monitoring Equipment Grant Aid Scheme" continues to be implemented and promoted by BIM. This scheme provided co-funded (ie. exchequer and EU funds) grants of up to 40% to improve efficiency and conservation methods on board fishing vessels.

Public aid for the use of more selective fishing techniques and/or methods is only offered on the basis that the measures proposed are consistent with Community (EC) and National regulations, guidelines and policy.

As of May 2008 34 projects have received monies with a further 29 projects approved, underway with expected completion dates no later that July 2008.