Call for Coveney to halt State-licensed destruction of habitats

Environmental organisation Coastwatch has called on Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney to take a “leadership” role in State management of fragile habitats in inshore waters.

Coastwatch spokeswoman Karin Dubsky said there was no State co-ordination over management of Natura 2000 marine habitats, and fishermen who took a responsible approach were not being acknowledged or rewarded.

She cited as one prime example a recent situation in Blacksod Bay in north Mayo, where risk mitigation measures were agreed by local fishermen.

State-licensed scallop dredgers from outside the area were then permitted to move in and “effectively destroy” the seabed habitat, she said.

The Natura 2000 network of important ecological sites covers some 11,644sq km (4,504sq m) of special protection areas and special areas of conservation. It includes some 2,300sq km of designated marine area.

Designation does not limit activities which are “environmentally sustainable” and which do not have an impact on the integrity of the area or its habitats.

A Marine Institute assessment of Blacksod Bay special area of conservation identified certain marine habitats and species which could be adversely affected by scallop dredging.

Mitigation plan

A mitigation plan to allow for limited scallop fishing was agreed in consultation with

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

(BIM) and fishermen’s groups including the North-West Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum, Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association, Achill fishermen and Blacksod Bay oyster co-op.

Participating vessels agreed to be fitted with a GPS tracking device to monitor activity and map distribution of fishing effort.

Some 15 vessels, including boats from Achill, took up to 120 tonnes of scallops, but local fishermen say the mitigation plan was not adhered to and the habitat was virtually fished out.

Ms Dubsky has questioned why the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is involved in protecting the designated habitats, appeared to be “unable to insist” on the cessation of damaging activity.

She said State agencies were not working together, and called on Mr Coveney to pass a statutory instrument which would ensure that special permits were required, in addition to a fishing licence, for activity in Natura 2000 sites.

Many local fishermen were actively trying to protect their habitats, but were not being supported by an official attitude which appeared to undermine their efforts, she said.

Asked about the situation with Blacksod, Mr Coveney's department referred to a response from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), which approved the opening of the fishery in May.

‘Fully aware’

The SFPA said it was “fully aware” of the fisheries Natura plan for Blacksod. It explained that the opening (or closing) was determined by its attainment of an “open” biotoxin status, which is an indicator of the physical health of the shellfish. The fishery had been closed since June 8th, it said.

It said its role was to ensure compliance with governing legislation, which might include restrictions on the use of specific gear, and it was monitoring the area actively as part of seasonal inshore patrols it was undertaking across the south, west and northwest coasts with the support of the Naval Service and Air Corps.