Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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23. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if studies have been carried out into reopening inland eel fishing here; if studies have been carried out into restocking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/14]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated in reply to Question No. 19 [4297/14] of 30 January last, surplus elver recruits were not identified in scientific reviews as regards Ireland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) for the 2012-2015 period to facilitate a stocking programme. Because of this and for the other reasons set out in that reply, stocking is not included as a management action in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) compiled under the EU Eel regulation (1100/2007).

The EMP will be reviewed again in 2015 with a comprehensive scientific assessment of eel stocks nationally and all elements, including the potential for stocking, can be considered at that stage based on an additional three years of scientific and management advice. The current advice, given in 2013, of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) states that ‘the efficacy of restocking for recovering the stock remains uncertain while evidence of net benefit is lacking.’