Bilateral fisheries deal with France

Dublin: The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the French Fisheries Control Authorities signed a bilateral agreement, which will enhance existing fisheries control and inspection arrangements between Ireland and France.

The agreement makes provision for the routine exchange of information on landings by French fishing vessels into Ireland and by Irish fishing vessels into France — landings from fishing vessels on the territory of the other member state will be the subject of a common control programme.

Chairman of the SFPA said Peter Whelan said: “This agreement will support our efforts in stopping the cycle of decline in fish stocks which in turn will assist in securing a sustainable future for our industry. We will continue to work with the competent authorities of other EU member states to promote a similar uniform standard of fisheries control.”