As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
As I set out in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 21st February 2024, in view of the changes in activity and issues concerning the marine space in recent years, I think it is important that this issue is reviewed and reflected on in an open, inclusive process.
Therefore, I launched a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines on 13th February 2024. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday 12th April at 13:00. 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. My Department has commenced collating the submissions to the consultation, several thousands of which have been received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made.
