Representatives from the fishing industry have described a meeting with EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis in Brussels today as "a crucial step in pressing for fairer quotas and workable fishing rules to protect coastal communities".
The Seafood Ireland Alliance said it was satisfied that Commissioner Kadis has agreed to visit Ireland again to see the challenges the industry, following an earlier visit last May.
Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) Aodh O'Donnell said they "secured a commitment from the Commissioner to follow up on a number of key strategic issues for the sector".
"Ireland contributes hugely to Europe’s seafood, yet we do not get a fair share in return. We have 12% of EU waters but less than 6% of the quotas. The EU must now act," Mr O’Donnell said.
Denmark currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and it will chair the annual negotiations on EU fishing quotas in December.
There’s a concern in the fishing industry that possible quota cuts next year will damage processors and risk jobs in coastal communities.
Brendan Byrne of the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association said the knock-on effect for jobs and exports is severe "when quotas are slashed without flexibility".
It’s understood the Hague Preferences will remain an important negotiating mechanism at the annual negotiations on EU fishing quotas in December.
The Hague Preference provides increased share of designated stocks to Ireland when the total allowable catch for those stocks fall below a certain level.
This mechanism was agreed in response to Ireland granting access to other Member States to the waters of Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone.
'Fairer quotas and workable solutions'
Dominic Rihan of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation said the industry needs "fairer quotas and workable solutions, especially on mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea".
The Seafood Alliance has raised concerns that "zero catch" advice on cod, whiting and haddock leading to small bycatch quotas is unworkable.
"Irish fishers need viable options, not impossible restrictions," Mr Rihan said.
The meeting with Commissioner Kadis was facilitated by Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. Donegal Senator Manus Boyle was also in attendance.
Senator Boyle described the meeting as "really positive" and said it was an important step towards achieving "greater fairness in quota talks" and "practical solutions on sustainability".
The Seafood Alliance comprises five organisations including the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, the Irish South & West Fish Producer's Organisation, the Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation and the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association.
