Between 2018 and 2024, sprat landings have increased by 375%. These little silvery fish are harvested during their spawning season when they come into our bays to breed over autumn and winter. The inshore ban was ruled out in 2023, and 2024 saw total landings of sprat hit over 17,000 tonnes. As they are considered a forage fish with little economic value, there are no legal quotas. While no laws are being broken, our system certainly is.
Our Taoiseach stated in the UN Oceans Conference that he wants Ireland to be a world leader in maritime policy, when now is the time to start. There are no studies on inshore spart in Ireland. Any sprat studies are part of wider herring acoustic surveys offshore by the Marine Institute.
TD Jennifer Whitmore stated: "In the absence of data, when you're talking about stocks, any stocks, the fundamental principle is the precautionary measure."
Add comment
Comments