Minister of State Joe McHugh TD says he welcomes confirmation this morning from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., that 233,500 tonnes of quotas was been secured, worth €280 million for Irish fishermen for 2017.
He said “This will undoubtedly help the fishing sector significantly here in Donegal.”
This represents an increase of 17,390 tonnes over 2016.
The Minister secured the deal in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, following two days of intensive negotiations at the annual Fisheries Council in Brussels.
“The total €280m value of quotas, which represents a 6% increase on 2016, is a good result overall. In the North West, a 20% increase in monkfish quota; a 9% increase for the megrim quota, a near doubling of the Rockall haddock quota and no change in whiting benefiting the ports of Greencastle and Killybegs.”
Minister Creed said “This is a balanced package for the Irish fishing industry. I am satisfied that I have managed to turn an extremely worrying set of proposals from the Commission into a much improved outcome for the Irish fishing industry.
“I am especially pleased that the quotas agreed respects the scientific advice ensuring that the fish stocks in our waters will be managed sustainably. In 2017 we will now have a significant increase for our vitally important whitefish fisheries and stability for many of our valuable stocks around our coast. This will ensure the continued vibrancy of our industry and the long term sustainability of our stocks”.
Background
For the South and West coasts and the Irish Sea, a 9% increase in the €74 million prawn fishery which benefits the ports of Clogherhead, Howth, Union Hall, Castletownbere, Dingle and Ros a Mhil.
For the South West, a 9% increase in hake, reversal of cuts proposed for monkfish – important for the southern ports of Castletownbere and Dingle.
For the Celtic Sea fisheries: 21% increase in whiting (from a possible 27% cut); 7 % increase in haddock, 15% cut in cod (reduced from the 68% proposed cut).
For the Irish Sea, a 25% increase in haddock; retention of cod and sole quotas.
In the North West, a 20% increase in monkfish quota; a 9% increase for the megrim quota, a near doubling of the Rockall haddock quota and no change in whiting benefiting the ports of Greencastle and Killybegs.
Cuts in line with scientific advice were applied to haddock in the North West and megrim in the Celtic Sea.
Hague Preferences
The Hague Preferences are Common Fisheries Policy arrangements which benefit Ireland in circumstances where the Total Allowable Catch is set at a low level due to the situation of stocks. When the Hague Preferences are applied Ireland receives a lower reduction in quota than other Member States.
