Latest Scientific Advice on Fish Stocks Presented to Minister
John Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources today received the 2007 Stock Book from the Marine Institute. This book contains all the latest advice on the state and future prospects for the fisheries resource exploited by the Irish Fleet. It was presented to the Minister of State by the CEO of the Marine Institute, Dr Peter Heffernan.
Dr Heffernan explained that “The Stock Book is produced annually by the Marine Institute’s Fisheries Science Services (FSS) team and contains impartial scientific advice developed by the team from the latest available scientific research on the fisheries resource. FSS is one of seven service teams within the Marine Institute. Its mission is to ‘research, assess and advise’ on marine fisheries in order to ensure the sustainable exploitation of this renewable resource. The provision of impartial scientific advice is critical to achieving this.”
The Stock Book provides the latest scientific advice on the commercially exploited fish stocks of interest to Ireland. The book is produced for the Marine Institute's main client, the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR). It is also available to the fishing industry, third level institutes, semi state agencies and the general public.
The Stock Book is available to purchase from the Marine Institute for €75 including P+P ( call + 353 91 387200 - Fisheries Science Services ) will also be available electronically on compact disc ( € 35 including P+P ) with extracts available on the Marine Institute’s web site at
https://www.marine.ie/home/publicationsdata/data/FishStocks/
Minister Browne stated that “The information in the Stock Book is very important in serving the DCMNR team during the forthcoming TAC negotiations at the EU Council of Ministers meeting in December, where 2007 fish quotas for Ireland are decided. It is very important for Ireland to have the latest scientific advice at our fingertips.”
The Stock Book also serves as a valuable reference book throughout the year at other fisheries management meetings between Ireland with the EU. It is also of interest to a wider audience, including the fishing industry, fisheries scientists, managers, third level institutes, financial institutions and others with an interest in the status and management of marine fisheries resources in the waters around Ireland.
Dr Heffernan emphasised that we are currently in “Going through a time of great change in fisheries science and management. Against a background of climate change, declining fish stocks and fleet overcapacity, scientists, industry and managers all face great challenges.”
Minister Browne concluded by stating that “The need for all of us to work closely together to ensure sustainable fisheries and a sustainable industry is now greater than ever. The Stock Book helps us move in this direction.”
ENDS