Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2009

Abstract

This review presents information on the status and activity of shellfisheries in Ireland. Legislation, fisheries management and licencing regimes that impinge on the operation of shellfisheries are reviewed and data on landings, value and profitability are presented. Stock assessment data, for a selected number of species, is updated and management recommendations are presented where appropriate. The intention is to update the review annually and present stock assessment and scientific advice particularly for shellfisheries which may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfisheries especially in conservation areas designated under European Directives. The scope of the review extends into a description of fisheries and fleet activity and presents economic data for the fleet and separately for individual fisheries where available. It also presents details of legislation, in the area of fisheries, environment, and food safety that impinges on the activity of the fleet. This coupling of information on stocks (dealing with issues of biological conservation and sustainability) and fisheries (dealing with socio-economic issues and the variability of the fleet) is seen as important in the co-management framework, the overall objective of which is to develop, in parallel, sustainable and viable fisheries for shellfish within the Irish territorial limits. Not all shellfish species are included in the 2009 review. Although an overview of legislation, landings and economic data are given, that relate to all species, stock indicators are presented for a limited number of fisheries. The inclusion of species/stocks is based on data availability and in response to developments or initiatives in management. The annual review will evolve towards informing fishery management plans as they are developed and implemented by the Shellfish Advisory Groups.