Fishermen set to sink EU plan to open up Irish Box

COMMERCIAL fishermen are to resist a Brussels’ proposal which could increase the presence of foreign boats in Irish waters.

A controversial document on fishery management revisions is to be discussed at next week’s meeting of fishery ministers. The industry has warned its recommendations have implications for the Irish Box. Currently, restrictions limit foreign vessels operating within the highly-sensitive fishing grounds.

Concerned about a likely deletion of the current Irish Box boundaries, the Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation (ISWFO) said the document will not satisfy the demands of the industry to safeguard stock conservation within the zone.