Supertrawler activity and dolphin deaths on the coast of Co. Kerry, Ireland

18.7.2016

Question for written answer P-005936-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Seán Kelly (PPE)

In July 2016, in separate cases, three dead dolphins were found on the south-west coast of Ireland in the space of one week, one with a rope around its tail. These findings follow reports of a rise in the number of dead dolphins on Ireland's west coast since the beginning of 2016.

It is reported that large supertrawlers are currently operating around 30 km off the coast of Co. Kerry, Ireland. While the link between supertrawler activity and the increase in these dolphin deaths is not proven, the common fisheries policy (CFP) stresses that caution must be taken as regards the impact of human activity on all components of the ecosystem.

1. What is the Commission doing to ensure the protection of local marine species while supertrawler activities continue off the west coast of Ireland, and will the Commission investigate the possible link between the recent dolphin deaths and supertrawler activity?

2. Does the Commission agree that such large vessels must be subject to regular on-board inspections to ensure they are fulfilling their obligations under the CFP, and what steps does the Commission plan to take to ensure that this is the case?