EU cod stock proposal closer to Irish interest but fish quota talks ‘difficult’

The European Commission’s position on managing cod stocks has moved closer to Ireland’s interests, but negotiations on fishing quota restrictions are proving more difficult, according to Marine Minister Simon Coveney.

Mr Coveney is in Brussels attending what he describes as “one of the most difficult Fisheries Councils in years”. The talks relate to setting agreed TAC (Total Allowable Catch) and fishing quota levels for EU member states. Ireland’s priorities will focus on the TACs and quotas for prawns, haddock, hake, monkfish, boarfish and megrim.

“I put forward what I believe is a strong case respecting the scientific information available on all the key stocks of interest to Ireland where we have a difference of view to the commission.”