Written answers

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Department of Agriculture and Food

Fishing Quota

9:00 pm

Photo of Tom SheahanTom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the decision process whereby the allocation of the 2009 increase in mackerel quota was allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4951/09]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The representatives of the polyvalent (multi-purpose) vessels in the Irish fleet sought an increased share of Ireland's mackerel quota for 2009, while the representatives of the Refrigerated Salt Water (RSW) fleet, based in the north-west opposed any increase in the share for the polyvalent vessels. The background to the situation is that the allocation arrangements were last revised in 2001. Since 2001 the polyvalent vessels have had an allocation of 7,000 tonnes of mackerel from Ireland's quota. This 7,000 tonnes represented 10% of the Irish quota when the arrangements were put in place in 2001. In all years, except 2002, the Irish mackerel quota has fallen well below the 2001 level (as low as 46,000 in 2005) and the allocation to the polyvalent vessels has remained at the set level of 7,000 tonnes. The cuts in the quota each year were borne in total by the RSW Pelagic segment vessels. In 2009 the mackerel quota has been increased to 66,068 tonnes which remains below the 2001 quota when the share out arrangement was last determined.

In the context of the representations made in relation to the share out of mackerel, Minister Killeen organised a meeting with all interested parties on 26th of November to hear the case for (i) a continuation of the current arrangements and (ii) for granting to the Polyvalent fleet an increased share of the 2009 mackerel quota. Strong and comprehensive presentations were made at that meeting by the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFO) and the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO) in respect of both proposals. Following the meeting, the Minister requested clarification and additional information from both parties, which were received.

Minister Killeen examined the cases made and considered in detail the issues arising. Following this full consideration, Minister Killeen decided to introduce new arrangements for the share out of mackerel for 2009 and future years. Under the new arrangements, the polyvalent segment will be allocated 13% of the mackerel quota. For 2009 this will involve a total allocation of 8,562 tonnes for the polyvalent fleet rather than the 7,000 tonne set allocation in place heretofore. This allocation for 2009 involves a 22.3% increase for the polyvalent segment.

It is important to note that the mackerel quota is of substantial importance to the north-west based pelagic industry which is completely dependent on pelagic fish stocks, such as mackerel and do not have any access to whitefish, prawn and other stocks which are available to the polyvalent vessels. As the mackerel quota is a set quantity for Ireland any increase in the allocation to the polyvalent fishing vessels must be at the expense of those vessels in the RSW Pelagic vessels and accordingly changes in allocation arrangement must take account of the importance of fishing in both the south — west and the north — west and balance the interests of both communities.

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