Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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1118. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Fisheries Natura Declarations which have been completed for Natura 2000 sites in the marine and coastal environment, if work is underway to complete Fisheries Natura Declarations for Natura 2000 sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29822/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that Fisheries Natura Declarations, which are legal instruments, provide for the regulation of sea-fishing activities to ensure compliance with conservation objectives of marine Natura 2000 sites in Ireland, which occur mainly inshore, within six nautical miles.

Fisheries Natura Declarations, as outlined in Regulation 9 of the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013, set out specific measures, such as restrictions on fishing activities, gear, effort, times, locations, species, and other related activities, to safeguard marine habitats and species. Our records show that 36 Fisheries Natura Declarations have issued over the years, covering a range of purposes, such as implementing Fisheries Natura Plans, mitigating significant risks to conservation objectives, and addressing risks identified in assessment reports. Both appropriate assessments and risk assessments are undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the Marine Institute with regard to sea-fishing activities in or near marine Natura 2000 sites, and where management of the potential risks posed to these sites is required.

It must be recognised 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.

The Deputy may wish to refer to the Fisheries Natura Declarations published online at: www.gov.ie/en/service/inshore-fisheries-management/#news-and-research-from-inshore-fisheries-management. Each Declaration states the date of its issue and the date it came into force. Declarations can also expire, or need revision and amendment, be withdrawn or replaced, based on the effectiveness of existing regulations or changing circumstances. While Fisheries Natura Declarations are issued, as and when deemed necessary, and with marine conservation being an ongoing process requiring adaptability and sustained management, this approach seeks to ensure that conservation measures remain relevant and effective over time.