The decision of the EU Fisheries Ministers has pleased the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) as its extensive input over recent weeks and months and particularly over the last 48 hours has had a major bearing on the positive outcome. FIF expressed relief that the more outlandish and potentially devastating proposals were overturned.
It is told that the successful resistance by Ireland of an attack on the long-standing “Hague Preferences” which give Ireland an additional share of quota, is a highly significant achievement. The overturning of proposed cuts in economically vital species quotas such as Nephrops (Prawns) is welcomed as are increases in Monk, Haddock and other key white fish stocks.
Gerard O’Flynn, chairman FIF, said that close co-operation with Irish Ministers, their officials, MEPs and TDs has delivered a positive outcome on most issues for Ireland. He is more concerned about the implications of the new technical measures for Donegal fishermen. Averting the closure of the white fish Fishery off Donegal was a key objective for FIF. The alternative proposals put forward by FIF provided the basis for a solution. Notwithstanding local fishermen will still face considerable difficulty in adapting to the new measures that include procurement of new nets by 1st January 2009.
FIF and the Minister’s success in mitigating the worst effects of a French presidency proposal, to decrease mesh size for gillnets around Ireland, does not alter the fact that any mesh size decreases are simply indefensible, regardless of the conditions.
