Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
817. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he will issue a fishery natura declaration for SAC areas designated for grey seals, including the Blaskets, in light of the recent report from the Marine Institute on the impact of tangle nets on protected species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported in The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland 2025 that the overall status of grey seal in Ireland is favourable, with an improving trend, unchanged from 2019. That same report also outlines that in 2007 the overall status of grey seal was favourable and in 2013 the overall status and operator, as it was then reported, was also favourable for grey seal.
Fisheries Natura Declarations are issued under the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 290 of 2013). They provide for the regulation of sea-fishing activities in order to comply with conservation objectives of marine Natura 2000 sites in Ireland, which occur mainly inshore, within six nautical miles.
My Department has been working to address concerns associated with the use of tangle nets in the crayfish fishery off the southwest coast and has funded research undertaken by the Marine Institute under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and its predecessor, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), to improve data collection in the crayfish fishery and explore alternative fishing methods that mitigate bycatch, including grey seal, while supporting the economic viability of the fishery.
The Marine Institute’s recently published report on catch, bycatch, fishing effort, and spatial distribution in the crayfish fishery in Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay from 2021 to 2024 provides valuable insights into the fishery and has laid the groundwork for developing sustainable conservation measures. My Department is currently examining the full findings of the study and its recommendations, and is working with the marine agencies and inshore industry representatives, to identify necessary and appropriate mitigation measures. This includes an examination of the impact of crayfish fishing on grey seals within the Blasket Islands Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
