Written answers

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

Photo of Ciara ConwayCiara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

562. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for specifics on the 2015 eel review by Inland Fisheries Ireland; if the survey will be conducted over the course of the eel season, that is 15 June to the end of October; what the payment structure will be; if local knowledge and boats will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/16]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) concluded a comprehensive public consultation process on Ireland's Eel Management Plan as part of the 2015 review, under EU Council Regulation 1100/2007. The consultation afforded stakeholders the opportunity to make written submissions on all aspects of eel fishing in Ireland. The process also included a review of the status of the eel stocks nationally and the potential for any commercial fishery in the future. Copies of all relevant documents are available on the IFI website: .

Based on management advice from IFI, and having considered all aspects of their report, the existing conservation measures in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) agreed by the EU under EC Regulation 1100/2007 will remain in place up to mid-2018.

In addition, I have secured funding for a new collaborative research initiative, to start in 2016, involving IFI scientists and a number of former eel fishermen, to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery. This will facilitate a better informed decision on the outlook for the stock over the next few years and beyond, and also the prospects for a return to commercial fishing activity. The research initiative will be planned by IFI having regard to the fundamental scientific priorities for developing additional knowledge and data. Structural and operational details of the 2016 phase of the initiative will be available once the core scientific planning is complete.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.