Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to review the total ban on eel fishing having particular regard to the fact that other EU countries, while taking conservation measures, have not imposed a total ban; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of those involved in eel fishing, particularly in the current economic climate; if he will issue ameliorating measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Deputy will be aware that following scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation required that all Member States prepare a national Eel Management Plan (EMP) for implementation this year. Ireland's plan was approved by the European Commission in July, 2009.

The decision to cease the eel fishery was taken, based on the best management and scientific advice available, along with other conservation measures to support a recovery of the stock in the shortest time possible. The prospects for success rely on EU Member States adopting a similar conservative approach. The by-laws giving effect to this decision (Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition on Issue of Licences) Bye-law No. 858, 2009 and Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S. 303, 2009) provide for closure of the fishery until June 2012 when the status of stocks will be fully reviewed.

This review will consider whether the eel fishery and market could be reopened in any River Basin District in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks. The EMP includes a comprehensive programme of monitoring and evaluation of management actions and their implementation. It also includes a programme of scientific eel stock assessment to establish a stock baseline, estimate current silver eel escapement and monitoring the impact of the management actions on the local stocks.

Only three other Member States have had their plans approved by the Commission as meeting the requirements of the EC regulation. Clearly the status of stocks in other Member States will differ from that of Ireland's depending on local conditions and therefore their plans may make different recommendations. All must, however, demonstrate to the Commission's satisfaction, how they would achieve the targets necessary for recovery of the European eel stocks.

I am fully aware of the concerns about the demise of eel stocks and the fishery of those involved in eel fishing, arising from the public consultation undertaken in preparing the EMP and from my direct discussions with fishermen. Some eel fishermen have been successful in tendering for the eel trap and transport operations which are being undertaken by the ESB under the EMP. Others will have the opportunity to assist with scientific assessments. There are no resources available to the Department to otherwise ameliorate the impact of the loss of the fishery.