Vol. 526 No. 4
207 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the prospects of any increase in fish quotas for white fish trawler operators operating out of Kilmore Quay, County Wexford; and if he has any proposals to develop the scallop fishing fleet. [27055/00]
Fish quotas for 2001 will be the subject of detailed discussions and negotiations at a meeting of the EU Council of Fisheries Ministers on 14 and 15 December 2000. I am not in a position to pre-empt the outcome to that meeting. The stocks status of many whitefish species, especially cod, hake and monkfish is not satisfactory and there is a growing consensus that decisive action needs to be taken to re-build stocks in order that the fisheries concerned can be developed in a sustainable manner for the ultimate benefit of fishermen. In the context of the upcoming quota discussions, I will approach the issue with the aim of striking the appropriate balance between the respective needs of conservation and the livelihoods of the fishermen concerned.
In accordance with my general policy of promoting the interest of the Irish fishing fleet generally in a sustainable manner, I am anxious to ensure development of the scallop fishing fleet and I will pursue this with BIM and the Marine Institute. In relation to scallops, these are not subject to the quota regime.
