Fishing federation hails 'successful defence' of Irish fishing interests
The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has hailed their "successful defence" of key elements of the industry’s interests in the annual fishing quota negotiations concluded in Brussels last night.
However, the federation did acknowledge some cuts in important regional quotas.
FIF chairperson, Eibhlin O’Sullivan said: "The Commissions Proposal for splitting the quota for Prawns, which would have led to untold operational difficulties, was not implemented and the quota cut was confined to 3%.
"We are also relieved that the Council did not proceed to introduce cuts on allowable fishing days off the southeast coast but has given space for an Industry led Management Plan which is in development with strong impetus from the Federation."
The Federation acknowledged the effective efforts of Minister of State for Fisheries Sean Connick in securing the vital Hague Preferences which ensure that Ireland receives a greater share of quotas for key stocks.
Important increases in Haddock and Whiting in the Celtic Sea reflect the scientific analysis of considerable improvements in the state of these stocks which is a welcome development for fishermen.
The federation is concerned that a further 25% cut for 2011 in Demersal (Whitefish) fishing opportunities and Cod quotas in the Irish Sea and the North West is likely to lead only to enforced discarding of marketable fish.
They welcomed the fact that Ireland has secured 67% of the quota now placed on a newly developed fishery for Boarfish, although there remains a major challenge for the European Parliament in early 2011 to put through revised Regulations needed on mesh sizes to give effect to the share-out in 2011.
They also welcomed another increase of 30% in the Celtic Sea Herring quota for 2011.
