This month, I established bye-laws which bring into effect Ireland’s National Eel Management Plan. The Eel Management Plan was devised on foot of an EU Council Regulation which provides for the sustainable use of the European eel stock.

The European eel stock is now so depleted that it is outside safe biological limits. Ireland’s responsibility is therefore, to develop a recovery plan for the stock of European eel and thus the bye-laws close the Eel Fishery here, until 2012. This will have the effect of conserving Ireland’s eel stocks and allow it to recover.

I am aware of the potential negative impact that these measures may have on eel fishermen. However, the eel stock is now so depleted, that if we did not act, it would have serious impacts for future generations. The ESB is undertaking the trap and transport operations, and there is real opportunity for skilled eel fishermen to get involved in these operations.

Further information at: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/New+measures+to+conserve+Irish+eel+stocks.htm