Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to alleviate concerns over the use of tangle nets in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17250/26]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been working to address a number of concerns associated with the use of tangle nets in the crayfish fishery.

Research has been undertaken by the Marine Institute to improve data collection and explore alternative fishing methods that mitigate by-catch, while supporting the economic viability of the crayfish fishery. This research has been funded by my Department under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

The Marine Institute recently published a report on catch, by-catch, fishing effort, and spatial distribution in the crayfish fishery in Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay from 2021 to 2024, providing valuable insights into the fishery and laying the groundwork for the development of sustainable conservation measures. My Department is currently examining the findings of the study and its recommendations.

There are a number of management measures in place to support the sustainability of the crayfish fishery (crayfish is referred to in the regulations as “crawfish”). These include the Crawfish (Fisheries Management and Conservation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 233 of 2006) which provide for a ban on the taking of crawfish by means of nets in two specified areas off the Galway and Kerry coasts. The other measures in place require all crawfish containing a v-notch to be returned alive to the sea and prohibit the landing of any crawfish whose carapace length is less than 110 mm.

These measures are complemented by ongoing engagement between the Marine Institute and fishermen and women in the area, with these efforts aiming to reduce by-catch and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. In addition, my Department is engaging with the Marine Institute and inshore industry representatives on additional management measures for the crayfish fishery. Such measures will be based on scientific evidence and implemented in collaboration with the inshore fishing sector to minimise economic disruption while maximising conservation outcomes.

My Department is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that future management decisions are informed, equitable, and effective, balancing ecological conservation with economic sustainability.