“The SDLP is backing Northern Ireland fish producers in calling for a total reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and the introduction of a regionally based regime.
“I was extremely concerned at some of the information that came out of the recent meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. I fear that a cut of 25% on stocks would simply lead to an even larger number of discards and I was pleased to the see this policy rejected by the vast majority of Member States. I also support the concerns expressed by the Irish government regarding Iceland and the Faroe Islands setting their own quotas for mackerel above the EU level.
“It is especially important for the local fishing industry around South Down that, as negotiation continues, the government guarantees an increase in the total allowable catch for Nephrops and Herring, which are so vital for the sustainability of our local fishing industry. The north of Ireland has no direct representation at these negotiations and we are reliant upon the UK government to undertake discussions on our behalf.
[caption id="attachment_26041" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="The Northern Ireland prawn fleet is facing a huge quota cut this December."]
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“Our fishing sector, both off-shore and on-shore, provides numerous jobs which support local people and stimulate our local economy. It is therefore vital that adequate quotas are delivered to ensure that this industry is sustained.”
Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation Chief Executive Dick James said, “The prawn stock in the Irish Sea is stronger now than it has ever been according to the scientists. But the European Commission is still expected to go ahead with a huge cut in the quota later this year. This is pre-ordained. It will mean effectively the end of the white fish fleet in Northern Ireland that is currently dependent on haddock and hake. This fleet has a relevant cod catch and therefore with the effects of the cod recovery plan this will literally cause the closure of this sector of our local fleet.
“The herring stock too is very strong as now estimated by scientists to be around 100,000 tonnes. The pelagic trawlers will only be allowed to harvest around 5000 tonnes of this and we expect no change in the quota but the fleet deserves an increase. The scientists only recently started to evaluate the stock size by going out on the fishing vessels with the fishermen who showed them where the fish were and now they have revised their figures.
“But we will try and lobby to secure an increase in the herring quota as the herring factories in Northern Ireland in Ardglass and Kilkeel provide a lot of jobs for the fishing communities across three fish processing plants.”
Strangford MP Jim Shannon Says CFP Unites Everyone in Opposition
DUP MP for Strangford Jim Shannon, speaking at Westminster at the announcement of change for the CFP, said that it is vital that a reduction and significant change to the much hated Common Fisheries Policy is initiated as a matter of urgency. The CFP managed to unite all of the Fishermen and Fishing Bodies and elected representatives in opposition to a policy that has managed to reduce ability to make a living on the sea and continues to squeeze life out of the Fishing Sector.
“In direct questioning to Minister Richard Benyon I put the case for regionalisation and for local area, village and population and elected representatives to be in control of the new strategy. It was further urged that the Fisheries Minister would work alongside the NI Assembly and the Executive to ensure that the right changes are made.
“Fish discards has become a key problems for the fishing industry, cleaning of boats, quotas – all are in line for change. The announcement will be the first round of a long process before the CFP is finally agreed and there will be many battles to follow and we must ensure that the future of fishing in Northern Ireland is settled to enable the Fishing Industry to survive.”]]>
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