Written answers

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fishing Industry

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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336. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps the quota management advisory committee is taking to avoid early closure of the line caught mackerel fishery in 2022. [8981/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller ‘inshore’ vessels (under 15 metre vessels) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line was set down in Policy in 2010. The Minister is endeavouring, with the assistance of the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC), to put new management arrangements in place for the management of the 2022 Mackerel Hook & Line fishery, in line with Policy, to help avoid an early closure of this fishery. However, this is very challenging due to divergent industry views. The matter is next due for discussion at the QMAC’s Annual Quota Planning meeting on 22ndFebruary.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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337. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on prioritising vessels under 12 m in the allocation of the mackerel quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8982/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line, which is largely prosecuted by the inshore fleet including under 12 metre vessels, was set down in Policy in 2010.  The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however this particular amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.  

In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review.  If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it would require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation. 

There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026.  This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.

Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.

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