Recreational pot fishing consultation

Ireland’s marine minister Simon Coveney has launched a public consultation on proposals to regulate non-commercial pot fishing.

The paper describes the current regulatory environment, and proposes options for regulating non-commercial activity. The National Inshore Fisheries Forum has identified problem areas and illegal sales of catch.  

Commercial sea-fishing is a a highly regulated activity whereby sea-fishermen are required to have a licence and a seaworthy vessel. Conservations measures apply to species fished by pots, incuding minimum landing sizes for crabs, minimum and maximum landing sizes for lobster and prohibition to sell v-notched lobsters.

Public consultation aims to balance commercial and non-commercial fishing activity. Ends August 21. Photo Gillian Mills

“This consultation is about sustainability, looking at the need to balance commercial and non-commercial fishing activity so that stocks in question are not overfished and that incomes and livelihoods are supported.

“I am conscious that pot-fishing is a popular past-time – particularly for holiday-makers. I would like to see clear lines drawn between recreational and commercial pot-fishing. Illegal sale of catch from non-commercial fishing boats should not have a route onto dinner tables. 

“Only buy from registered fishing boats and registered buyers. Be responsible and make sure that what you catch and eat meets the conservation standards for that species.”

Francis O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation however says to allow holiday-makers to set pots is “absurd. This is taking the livelihood from coastal fishermen instead of proper management. If they can catch their own, why would they pay for them?” he asks.

O’Donnell added it was tantamount to legalising a “black-market economy that was already out of control, “and one the SFPA is struggling with”.

Closing date: August 21

 http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/non-commercialpotfishingconsultation2015/