Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to reopen bass fishing for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13614/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal to my Department regarding the possibility of a limited offshore Sea Bass fishery. This proposal is being given careful consideration in the context of advice received from both the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. In coming to a decision on the matter, I am particularly conscious of the need to maintain the current protection afforded to the inshore Sea Bass fishery. This factor is also recognised in the FIF proposal which gives assurances that the inshore Sea Bass fishery around our coast would not be targeted for commercial fishing. Under the FIF proposal, vessels would be permitted to land Sea Bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII. This area is approx 50 KM off the SE coast of Ireland.

In order to take account of the views of all stakeholders, including anglers, Minister Killeen wrote to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, seeking his views on this proposal before making any final decision in the matter. Minister Lenihan's response will be taken into account in the matter.