Quotas cut over lack of scientific data

A lack of scientific evidence about fish stocks saw a cut in the quantity of valuable species such as haddock and monkfish for Irish fishermen in the annual EU share-out of fish.

Scientific advice about just how much fish it was safe to take out of the sea played a major role in setting quotas this year for the first time, and while the industry praised Fisheries Minister Simon Coveney for his work, they called for more science in future.

The minister said the deal secured fish worth €213m for the Irish fishing fleet for the coming year and ensured stocks are sustainable in the coming years. Cuts in quota of over 30 stocks were proposed, but this was reduced after what Mr Coveney described as a “very challenging” two days.