The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs is to meet eel fishermen over a Government decision to close their fishery completely for 90 years, which fishermen say will cause the loss of 500 jobs.
The EU has asked all member states to reduce fishing by 40% to preserve stocks.
The Government is proposing a total closure, though eel fishing will remain open in other countries and will continue also in Northern Ireland.
Eels are another marine species that are in danger. The EU asked member states to reduce fishing so that some eel stocks would avoid being caught and spawn, ensuring the future of the species.
All sides agree on the need for conservation, but the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, responsible for inland fisheries, has decided to close down fishing totally.
Eels are sold on the domestic market and exported but because of the long life-cycle of the eel this measure could mean closure for 90 years.
The Department has already put its case to the committee before today's meeting with fishermen's organisations.
Fishermen claim that up to 500 full and part-time jobs and local businesses will be destroyed in rural and coastal areas at a time when jobs are needed.
