Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

77. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a submission received from Inver Traditional Inshore Fishermen’s Association on a review of management arrangements for mackerel and herring fishery in Inver Bay and surroundings by means of a ring net; his views on this submission; his plans to implement any of the proposals contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38627/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have considered the request from the Inver Traditional Inshore Fishermen’s Association for a Herring and Mackerel fishery ring fenced for members of the Inver Traditional Inshore Fishermen’s Association. Under management arrangements introduced in 2010 for mackerel and in 2011 for herring in the North West (Area VIaS) smaller vessels have access to these stocks on the following basis. In the North West, an open herring fishery was established of up to 5% of the Area VIa South adjusted quota, to provide modest monthly catch limits, for vessels under 20m length overall. No booking-in is required. Draft ring net fisherman were accommodated under this allocation.

In relation to Mackerel there are two fisheries for small boats. Vessels under 18m in overall length, using trawls or gill nets, have access to a periodic boat catch limit (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly), subject to available quota. There is also a Hook and line fishery for vessels under 15m in overall length. Vessels using hooks and line to fish for mackerel may not engage in trawling or gill netting in the same trip as they fish using hook and line fishing gear. 400t of mackerel is reserved each year for the hook and line fishery.

Periodic allocations are made available for operators covered by these arrangements. Each month I receive recommendations from industry representatives at the Quota Management Advisory Committee in relation to the monthly amounts available to the small boat herring and mackerel. In some months the North West herring small boat fishing allocation has covered a two monthly period to facilitate smaller boats. The views of the ITIFA and other local groups representing operators should be made known to the Producer Organisations which represent operators at the monthly Quota Management Advisory Committee meetings.

The submission from the ITIFA notes the difficulties posed for members due the requirement to notify the SFPA in advance of landings greater the 250kg. The requirement for the prior notification of landing is recommended of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, which is the competent body for fisheries control. Any difficulties which arise in meeting the obligation should, in the first instance, be taken up with the SFPA.