I propose to take Questions Nos. 732 and 739 together.
The Fisheries Control Regulation provides for a Union fisheries control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy and establishing a level playing field across the EU on fisheries control. The current Control Regulation entered into force in January 2024 and updates and amends the previous 2009 Control Regulation.
As provided for in the Control Regulation, the "Margin of Tolerance" is the difference between the estimated quantity of species recorded by the master in the fishing logbook and the actual weight of the catch once weighed and converted to live weight. The Margin of Tolerance for most species is 10%. Therefore, the live weight equivalent must be within 10% of the estimated live weight of each such species for the logbook to be compliant.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1474 sets out the requirements which must be met in order for a port to qualify for a derogation from the Margin of Tolerance. In order to apply to the European Commission for a port to obtain such a derogation, all of the following weighing systems, equipment, and control tools must be in place to ensure the accuracy of catch reporting and the necessary control thereof:
(a) a remote electronic monitoring system with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras allowing the competent authorities of the coastal Member State to monitor the landing, transhipment, and weighing of all catches of fisheries covered by Article 14(4), point (a), of the Control Regulation;
(b) a weighbridge or a crane weighing system to be used for the weighing of all catches of fisheries covered by Article 14(4), point (a), of the Control Regulation;
(c) one or more water separators to enable dewatering of catches at landing prior to their weighing for fisheries referred to in Article 15(1), point (a), first and third indents of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013; and
(d) an automated or semi-automated sampling chute accessible by both operators and inspectors to ensure the impartiality of samples taken in accordance with applicable sample weighing procedures.
I am advised by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority that not all of these infrastructural requirements, some of which require industry input and involvement to progress, are fully in place in Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre at this point. In addition, there are also certain legal considerations arising attaching to such factors, to meet the relevant legislative requirements.
In this context, I understand that there has been engagement already between the SFPA and industry. My officials are continuing to liaise with the SFPA, as the Control Authority, in the first instance to consider and progress this matter. The SFPA, through its engagement with industry, will keep affected parties informed as this work progresses.
