Fishing Industry

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Questions (824)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

824. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the ‘North Irish Sea Interim Razor Fishery Management Plan’ proposal, which was submitted by members of the fishing community in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14472/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The “North Irish Sea Interim Razor Fishery Management Plan” was submitted to my Department on 16 January 2026 by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), which provides the secretariat for the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF).

I am advised that the proposal was developed and brought forward last year by the North East Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum. It was reviewed by the NIFF and the other Regional Forums in the latter half of 2025. At their meeting on 11 December 2025, the NIFF members agreed to support the proposal and submit it to my Department.

My Department is currently considering the proposal, in consultation with BIM and the other marine agencies, and it will engage with the Inshore Fisheries Forums and other stakeholders on the matter thereafter.