“We note REO 12 has been updated to include references to commercial fisheries. We welcome this inclusion.
Noting this inclusion, while we welcome the creation of Ireland’s first “National Marine Park” in the proposed TRP 8 on page 38 of volume 1, we have some concerns from a fisheries perspective. Commercial sea fishing is a long standing, pre-existing and traditional activity in the marine environment. It is essential that any negative impacts on fisheries are avoided. The evaluation of potential impacts on any commercial sea fishing activities needs to be given consideration as part of any planning/proposal process and during the development process itself. It is imperative that engagement should be sought with the fishing industry and other relevant stakeholders at as early a stage as possible to discuss any changes that may affect them to afford a chance for their input. Fishers’ interests and livelihoods must be fully recognised, supported, and taken into account during the creation of a Marine Park.”