Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1190. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a fishery (details supplied) has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56508/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The advice on fish stocks published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and informs the EU's negotiating position for consultations with Third Countries, such as the UK.

The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 (the waters around Ireland) for 2024 is for zero catch. A copy of this advice is available on the ICES website () from the following link: Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in subareas 6–7 (Celtic Seas and the English Channel) (figshare.com)

The updated assessment, which provides advice on the basis of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach, indicates that the stock biomass has been declining for an extended period and is currently below the biomass limit reference point.

Following the conclusion of the EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks - including the Pollack 6-7 stock, the parties agreed on a limited, by-catch only TAC for Pollack to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch.

Ireland is involved with the scientific research to improve the understanding of this stock.

Pollack is part of the general sampling programme conducted by the Marine Institute, including port sampling and routine surveys. Work is also ongoing to collect genetic samples of Pollack to tackle uncertainty in stock identity. In addition, a new inshore survey is targeting areas not regularly sampled on the regular survey programme. These habitats are more suitable for Pollack and the data collected may help to build up an enhanced perspective on stock status.