Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider increasing quota for herring and mackerel fishing to the Inver Traditional Inshore Fishermen, County Donegal, who could then get these boats regulated and legalised on a seasonal basis. [5959/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The policy in relation to the distribution of mackerel in the polyvalent sector was reviewed and finalised in early 2010 and included a detailed public consultation process. Following that process, a fishery for Mackerel for small fishing vessels was established by the Minister whereby an amount of mackerel is available to polyvalent vessels under 18m in length. The quantity of mackerel is decided following consultation with industry representatives. The limit is 2 tonnes per month for the month of February. This amount may be increased and was set at 4 tonnes for the spring and most of the summer during 2011. In relation to herring, last year I asked the fishing industry representatives to make proposals on the future management arrangements for all Irish herring fisheries. In response to my notification of the review, a number of proposals were received from industry including the Inver traditional fishermen's group. Taking account of the diverse views expressed, I have published a proposed policy and sought the views of industry on the proposal. I am meeting Industry representatives and those who made submissions next Monday 6 February to hear directly views on the draft proposals circulated. Before making a final decision on the management arrangements for the 2012 herring fisheries, I will review all submissions made and the views expressed at the meeting.

Quota for herring and mackerel is only available, subject to management arrangements in place, to Irish licensed and registered fishing vessels. The registration and licensing of sea fishing vessels is governed by EU Regulation and the function is administered independently of the Minister by the Registrar of Sea Fishing Boats.