Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 5 April 2011, his further views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21025/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is apparent that the present prohibition on landing crawfish below 110mm in length is presenting difficulties for Irish inshore fishermen, as European markets appear to indicate a preference for smaller crawfish. In that context, I have asked BIM in conjunction with the Marine Institute, and in consultation with crawfish fishermen and their representatives to conduct a review of the present conservation measures for crawfish and to bring forward recommendations as soon as possible.

I want to see if we can find a management strategy for this species that will allow Irish inshore fishermen to compete in international markets, while stabilising the stock and ensuring its long term sustainability and bringing to an end undesirable by-catch". The review will focus on:-

the state of the crawfish stock;

undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species from the use of nets by some fishermen in fishing for crawfish;

the apparent market preference for smaller crawfish; and

the range of technical conservation measures for crawfish used internationally;

BIM are to make recommendations on the most appropriate strategy and/or Technical Conservation Measures to address the issues specified above and to ensure that its proposals will provide at least the equivalent or a higher level of protection to the reproductive potential of the stock, as provided by the present measures, and that a high level of compliance can be assured within available resources.

I will consider BIM's report and recommendations before deciding on changes, if any, to the current measures and any new measures for this fishery.