Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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818. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider action against large offshore vessels fishing in special areas of conservation. [44033/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of the marine Natura 2000 sites in Ireland (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) are inshore, within six nautical miles. I can inform the Deputy that a series of appropriate assessments and risk assessments have been undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Marine Institute over the years with regard to sea-fishing activities in or near Natura 2000 sites. Mitigation measures have been introduced where required to manage the risks posed to these sites.

It is important to note that Natura 2000 sites can include a variety of habitats and species, each with varying sensitivities and in respect of introducing measures to manage sea-fisheries, regard must be had to the specific conservation objectives set out for each habitat and species within those sites. I remain very aware of the importance of the Irish fishing industry operating in a sustainable manner so as to protect and maintain such habitats in Special Areas of Conservation and for the quality of our marine environment generally which is vital to the sustainability of the fishing sector.

The Deputy may be aware that in December 2018, a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure, however, was the subject of extended legal proceedings the outcome of which, received last year, is that the ban has been overturned.

In February 2024, I held a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday 12th April. This consultation took place without prejudice.

The purpose of this consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise me of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. A large volume of submissions - over 5,000 - were received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. My Department is in the process of analysing the submissions. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made.