Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 225: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if proposals to include the boarfish/redfish species in the TAC mechanism are currently being discussed in the quota negotiations in Brussels between EU fisheries Ministers; his position on this proposal, given that if it is implemented it could take €15 million out of the Irish fisheries sector and threaten the viability of the pelagic sector and the creation of additional fish processing facilities in Killybegs and other important national and regional ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47565/10]

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

Early this morning, the Council of fisheries Ministers in Brussels agreed the fishing opportunities for 2011. Included in this agreement was the adoption of an interim management plan for the boarfish fishery as proposed jointly by Ireland and Denmark. This follows a series of discussions and submissions between the Commission and concerned Member States over recent months and consultations with both the Irish and Danish industry.

Boarfish is a mid-water pelagic shoaling species which are small but are now found in large volume off the south west coast of Ireland. The Irish fishing fleet developed the fishery about 10 years ago and have increased catches in recent years.

Denmark has also been a key player in the development of the fishery. Both Irish and Danish fishermen invested in new techniques to successfully catch and land the stock which has unusual characteristics. Irish fishermen also invested in scientific research to increase our knowledge of the biology and dynamic of the resource.

We pooled our knowledge with Denmark and worked closely with industry representatives to develop the management plan which was eventually submitted to the EU Commission. At the Council, this management plan was accepted and will involve limiting catches through a TAC in order to ensure the sustainability of the stock.

Of critical importance to Ireland was ensuring that we received a fair share of the stock for 2011 and future years. Despite major efforts from certain other member states for a share-out based on equal shares between five or more member states I argued successfully that Ireland should be given the majority share to respect our major input and commitment to the development of the fishery. In the end I secured a share of 67.3% of this stock which I believe offers excellent fishing opportunities for our pelagic fleet into the future.

A precautionary TAC of 33,000 t was set for 2011 to allow for more definitive scientific data expected next year to better inform what level the TAC should be set at in future years. This is lower than recent landings but was based on the best scientific advice available at this time. Based on these figures Ireland will have a quota of 22,200 t in 2011.