Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
610. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Brown Crab Working Group; the way the work of the group can lead to the sustainability of the species for coastal communities and identify new markets for Ireland's seafood industry. [13471/25]
View answerThe Brown Crab Working Group was established last year to review the management of brown crab fishing in Ireland and to develop management options to support the sustainability of brown crab stocks, which are so important to Irish fishers and coastal communities. The matter of identifying markets for Irish seafood was outside the scope of the Working Group’s terms of reference, but I can assure the Deputy of Bord Bia’s ongoing work in that regard.
The Working Group consisted of industry representatives from the seafood Producer Organisations, the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association. It was supported by my Department and representatives from the Marine Agencies. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) chaired the Working Group and provided the secretariat.
The Working Group met in Athlone on two separate occasions in September and October 2024, when it thoroughly reviewed the status of brown crab stocks as well as management options. At the second session, Working Group members agreed a set of recommendations to support the sustainable management of Irish brown crab stocks.
BIM (as Chair) finalised these recommendations into a report that it submitted to my Department on behalf of the Working Group. These recommendations are currently under consideration.
Additionally, as the Working Group has concluded its work, I would like to thank the industry representatives for their engagement and commitment to this process, which was very welcome.
