The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., has launched a consultation process on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The key points of this review are set out as follows:
- This Consultation Paper sets down the following possible options:
o Option 1: No change to the status quo;
o Option 2: All sea-fishing boats excluded from pair trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines;
o Option 3: All sea-fishing boats over 18m in length overall excluded from trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines;
o Option 4: All sea-fishing boats over 15m in length overall excluded from trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines.
- Other possible options may arise during the consultation for consideration.
This consultation is taking place without prejudice. It is important to note that the Minister has not made any decision to change the current arrangements at this time. No decision will be made by the Minister until after this consultation has been completed.
All relevant issues will be carefully evaluated before the Minister decides if any amendment to the policy is justified for the proper and effective management of waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines.
The purpose of this consultation is to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise the Minister of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review as set out above.
The closing date for submissions is 5.30pm 26 March 2024 Read more