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

Question 228: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the process by which he arrived at the introduction of by-laws governing commercial eel fishing; and if the relevant EU directive was a guiding influence. [43025/08]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that scientific research, conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicated that the European eel fish stock is so depleted that it is now outside safe biological limits. The ICES advised that, a recovery plan be developed for the whole stock of European eel and that exploitation and other human activities affecting the fishery be reduced as much as possible. The EU brought forward Council Regulation 1100/2007, the purpose of which is the establishment of a new framework for the protection and sustainable use of the stock of European eel. The objective of the Regulation is to achieve recovery of the stock to previous high levels.

An Eel Management Plan (EMP) must be prepared by 31 December 2008 for implementation from 1 July 2009. The objective of each EMP is to reduce anthropogenic mortality to achieve a target escapement of adult eel equivalent to 40% of biomass. If the plan is not approved by the Commission, a mandatory 50% reduction in the fishery is required as an immediate emergency measure from January 2009.

Conservation bye-laws were introduced in 2008, which capped the number of licences and restricted the season. These measures were introduced on foot of discussions in the Joint Working Group, which was established from among the State agencies responsible for management of the eel fishery, having sought recommendations from the regional fisheries board management. The introduction of the bye-laws was undertaken in recognition of the serious depletion in the stocks signalled by the national and international scientific community and fisheries managers.

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

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons expected to become unemployed as a result of the withdrawal of eel licences. [43026/08]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I currently await the submission of a draft Eel Management Plan, required in accordance with European Council Regulation 1000/2007, from the Eel Working Group, which I understand will include recommendations as to the future of the fishery and how Ireland can meet the targets to assist in the recovery of diminishing European eel stocks. This recovery will take many years to achieve.

The Irish eel fishery harvests approximately 100 tonnes per annum and I understand that there are some 150 fishermen who hold a maximum of 295 licences, not all of which are actively fished. Catches have been declining over recent years because of the status of stocks. As the Deputy will be aware, eel fishing is not a full time occupation and it is restricted depending on the type of fish being targeted. The working group is actively investigating alternative opportunities for eel fishermen to assist in diversification in the event that it is decided to restrict or close the eel fishery.