Guarded welcome for EU fish quotas for 2005

FISHERY associations have given a guarded welcome to the fish quotas for 2005 agreed by the European Union after all-night talks.

While the mackerel quota was cut by 27,000 tonnes in a bid to conserve stocks, there were increases in quotas for haddock, hake, monkfish and prawn.

Marine Minister Pat “The Cope” Gallagher said he was disappointed with EU Commissioner Joe Borg’s decision to reduce the mackerel quota. “Of course I’m disappointed at the decision but I’m quite satisfied we have (white fish) quotas for the Irish fishing fleet this year which I hope will be beneficial to coastal Ireland where there is no alternative source of employment.