DONEGAL TD Joe McHugh has called for more research on fish stocks and better cooperation across the industry after some Irish fish quotas were slashed.
It follows the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD that he has secured €260 million of fish quotas for fisherman in Ireland next year – a reduction.
“The fishing industry has faced considerable challenges over the last few years and I think that a concerted effort between fishermen and the marine institute is the best partnership in successfully evaluating fish stocks and fishing regulations,” said Deputy McHugh.
“While funding for the science and research behind fishing is paramount, the experience and knowledge of fishermen who are facing these challenges on a daily basis is also key and the combined work of these two groups will enhance Ireland’s fishing industry and help drive us towards a successful and sustainable fishing industry.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work that Minister Coveney has done for the fishing industry, engaging in difficult and complex negotiations, with positive results in the pelagic sector, and in some white fish stocks. However there are still challenges within the Celtic sea and we need to ensure that there is a targeted effort to protect the white fish sector.”
Breakdown of Quotas:
· A 49% increase in the Hake quota
· A 30% increase in the Celtic Sea Herring fishery off the south coast
· 13% increase in the mackerel quota
· A 55% quota increase in the large Boarfish fishery off the south west
· A 36% increase in the Blue Whiting quota for the north west
· A 20% increase in the Megrim quota for the north west
· A 22% increase in the Haddock quota in Rockall
· A15% increase in the Monkfish quota for the south and west
· A 14% increase in the Albacore Tuna quota for the summer fishery off the south west
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