Talks on the future of the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy open in Brussels today. Irish fishing organisations say the industry here faces its most critical period ever.
There is strong pressure from Spain to get full access to the restricted area known as the Irish Box. There is also a threat to cut the size of the Irish fishing fleet. Industry organisations fear this could cause the loss of 2,000 jobs.
Marine Minister, Dermot Ahern, and his team will be trying to address what is seen as a major threat to the Irish fishing industry.
As a result of Irish entry to the EU, Ireland now has only 5% of the catch quota in its own waters, but provides 11% of the total EU fishing area, thereby giving millions in earnings to other European fleets.
Fishermen claim politicians failed to realise at the time the value of what they were negotiating away.
Protecting the Irish Box is seen as crucial for the survival of the Irish fishing industry as the Spanish fleet tries to increase the 40 boats it is allowed in this area. That number is higher when other Spanish-owned boats registered as Irish, British and French are included.
There is also the battle against a reduction in the number of fishing boats that could cost 2,000 jobs in Irish ports. Another round of talks is scheduled for mid-December.
