Cuts of over 50% expected in Irish fish quotas
Dramatic cuts in fish quotas are being proposed for Ireland by the European Commission.
The commission wants to cut some of Ireland’s white fish catches by over 50%.
Ireland is set to oppose these cuts. When unveiling the planned reductions the European Commission itself admitted that ‘it was another black day for fishermen across the EU’.
While all fishing areas in Europe are being hit, the Irish Sea in particular has been identified as a hotspot. It is proposed that Haddock quotas here would be cut by 52% and other cuts include a 10% reduction in Cod quotas.
The Department of the Marine is insisting the reductions here are disproportionate. While the Government is accepting there is a need to act to conserve stocks, it is understood that Marine Minister Frank Fahey will be voting against the European Commission’s proposed cuts.
