The Social Democrats intend to press ahead with legislation proposing a moratorium on commercial sprat fishing in Irish waters.
The party believes the Government's proposed trawling ban doesn’t go far enough, and cites “urgent concerns for marine biodiversity and the lack of regulation around the species”.
Social Democrats marine spokeswoman, Jennifer Whitmore, who is a TD for Wicklow and has a background in marine science and environmental law, introduced the Bill on the last day of the Dáil (parliament) sitting, and it passed the first stage and will proceed to the second stage after the summer break.
“Sprat may be small, but it plays a huge role in our marine ecosystem. It’s a key food source for seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish,” she said.
“Yet, right now, it’s being fished intensively with no quota, no management plan, and no protections in place. That is simply not sustainable,” she said.
“My Bill proposes to amend the Wildlife Act to add sprat to the Fifth Schedule, prohibiting targeted commercial fishing of the species,” she said.
“This protection would only be reversed when robust scientific data and a sustainable management plan are in place. The Bill also contains a requirement for the development of a just transition plan to support fishers impacted by the moratorium,” she said.
“I have consistently called for stronger protections for Ireland’s marine life, including the enactment of the long-delayed Marine Protected Areas Bill. In addition, I have raised concerns about the impact of industrial fishing vessels on biodiversity and fish stocks,” she said.
“The precautionary principle must guide our marine policy. We don’t have the data on sprat stocks or their role in the food web. Continuing to fish them at current levels is reckless and short-sighted,” Whitmore said.
