Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 913: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to evaluate the legislation that prevents fishing for eel here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that anglers are permitted to fish for eel in Northern Ireland from rivers that are common to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; if he will address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2028/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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). 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 Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S 303, 2009, gives effect to this decision and provides 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 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.

I understand that the Eel Management Plan for Northern Ireland has not yet been approved by the EU Commission as satisfying the conservation requirements of the EC Regulation. It is a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities to introduce the appropriate legislation to give effect to the conservation measures provided for in their plan.