Group aims to ensure fishing industry is ready for discards ban roll-out

The wasteful practice of discarding fish at sea is a key part of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy which was negotiated under the Irish EU presidency earlier this year.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has now appointed Dr Noel Cawley to chair a national Discards Implementation Group. The aim of the group is to ensure the Irish fishing industry is fully prepared for the implementation of the discards ban.

“I know that the experience Dr Cawley will bring to bear on the practical issues surrounding the phasing in of the discards ban will ensure that the Irish fishing industry will be fully prepared for this fundamental reform in fishing practices,” he said.

Minister Coveney also hosted the first meeting of the North Western Waters Regional Group of Member States (Ireland, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain and the UK). It has come together to develop possibilities for more co-operation and regional decision making under the new CFP.

Minister Coveney also met with the fishing industry and environmental groups to discuss the proposals from the European Commission on fishing opportunities for 2014 in advance of annual negotiations in December.