Sir, – Further to a letter (May 14th) that questions the sustainability of boarfish and its use in the new proposed bio-marine food ingredients plant in Killybegs, the long-established International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which advises on ocean sustainability, has concluded that the boarfish fishery is fished in a sustainable manner and recommended a total allowable catch of 127,000 tonnes for 2014, of which Ireland has a quota of 88,000 tonnes.
The boarfish is a small pelagic shoaling species that has undergone a significant increase in abundance in the northeast Atlantic.
The increase is believed to be related to an increase in water temperature and consequently an increase in suitable habitat and conditions for boarfish in this region.
An extensive review of all available literature and studies conducted throughout the species range indicate that boarfish do not appear to be an important prey species in the Celtic Sea area and this is highlighted in the scientific advice given by the ICES last year.
Considerable investment has been made in establishing a comprehensive scientific basis for the sustainable development of the fishery and effective management strategies have been developed for it that will ensure the future sustainability of this valuable marine resource. – Yours, etc,
SEAN O’DONOGHUE,
Killybegs Fishermen’s
Organisation,
St Catherine’s Road,
Killybegs,
Co Donegal.