I am conscious of the concerns raised by the recreational angling and charter boat sectors as a result of the conservation measures being introduced for the recreational fishing of pollack under the EU Fishing Opportunities 2026 Regulation. These measures include the introduction of a daily bag-limit of 3 pollack per angler, with catch and release permitted once that limit is reached.
This measure arises from the scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which is published at https://ices-library.figshare.com/articles/report/Pollack_i_Pollachius_pollachius_i_in_subareas_6_7_Celtic_Seas_and_the_English_Channel_/27202803.
ICES is an intergovernmental marine science organisation that provides scientific advice to the European Commission and to national governments. ICES advice indicates that levels of pollack stock in the Celtic Seas area, including waters around Ireland, are low and that catches should be restricted to support stock recovery. Bag limits are commonly used, both nationally and internationally, as a conservation measure to restrict catches. As this is an EU Regulation, it has direct effect in Ireland and there is no scope to review the decision. Accordingly, the measure will apply from 1 June 2026.
I fully recognise the importance of the recreational sea angling and charter boat sectors to coastal communities, and I am conscious of the challenges that this measure presents for operators in the sector. I recently met with representatives of the sector to hear directly their concerns regarding the introduction of this bag limit and to discuss the impact this measure will have on their businesses and on coastal communities.
While there are currently no specific support or mitigation measures under consideration in relation to these measures, the Department will continue to engage with stakeholders in relation to implementation of recreational conservation measures.
