After EPA examination of estuarine and coastal waters fact was unearthed that the cod stocks in the Irish Sea are now considered “to be in a state of collapse” and are expected to decline further in 2008. The EPA told that overall, many commercially-important fish stocks in Irish waters are “heavily overexploited and in decline, while many species, as much as 75 percent, are now being harvested outside safe biological limits.
The EPA also said that the “perilous state” of cod stocks in Irish waters is likely that severe measures, such as multi-area closures in certain areas will be required to ensure the long-term sustainability of these stocks. The Friends of the Environment group has welcomed the call saying that the Minister must now ensure that the advice of the EPA and the Marine Institute are taken on board when he negotiates European fish quotas this year.
According to the EPA in terms of human activity it was clear that commercial fishing has the greatest and most extensive impact on the ecological quality status of Ireland’s marine environment. It is informed that the recovery of fish stocks will be slow and substantial reductions in fishing pressure through a reduced number of days at sea and “greater enforcement of existing fishing regulations, which apply to both Irish and foreign vessels, are required to ensure the survival of the most vulnerable stocks.
A recent government report on Irish fishing indsutry recommended a substantial decommissioning of the Irish whitefish and shellfish fleet and the establishment of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority may offers “some hope” in this regard. The EPA was more positive about water quality in the majority of estuaries and coastal waters, saying general environmental conditions remained good despite substantial population growth and economic development in recent years.
