Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 435: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify and explain the options that are available to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who fishes dog and skate net, and who was informed at the beginning of June 2009 that 3 tonnes of dogfish were available to them for fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25687/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If the Deputy is referring to Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), there is a limit as to the total catch allowed in each month. For June and July 2009, these limits were set at 6 tonnes for over 55 feet vessels and 3 tonnes for under 55 feet vessels. These limits are outlined in detail in Fisheries Management Notice No. 16. for June and No 18 of 2009 for July. There are currently no catch limits for skates in place.

Under the Common Fisheries Policy Ireland has a total allowable catch of 195 tonnes of Spurdog and a combined 2055 tonnes of Skates and rays available in 2009. National catch limits, within these parameters, are determined by my colleague Minister Killeen on the basis of advice from industry representatives who meet with Department officials to review uptake of quotas and recommend management plans at the monthly Whitefish Quota Management Group meeting.