Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason he has set the minimum size for landing lobster at 110 mm when the European Commission has recommended 90mm placing Irish lobster fishermen at a disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the minimum landing size for crawfish. Council Regulation 724/2001 requires a minimum landing size (MLS) of 95mm. National measures were introduced in 2001 through the Crawfish (Conservation of Stocks) Order 2001 (S.I. No. 322 of 2001) which set the MLS to 110mm for Irish fishermen so as to support the conservation of the stock which was under pressure at that time. I am aware that certain other Member States have enacted various national MLS limits above that figure, so Ireland is not unique is taking such conservation measures.

Following representations made, I am aware that continental markets have a preference for smaller crawfish and that this is presenting difficulties for Irish fishermen in maximising the economic return from their catch. 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. BIM advises that it will submit the report before the end of the year.