Fischler eases fears over access to Irish fishing waters
Mr Fischler, who had talks with Government ministers as well as fishing and farming interests, said he is not in favour of giving unrestricted access to foreign trawlers in the 50-mile exclusion zone.
Mr Fischler attempted to ease fears about the entry of foreign boats into the Irish Box but hinted some increase in access would be allowed.
He said the European Commission was anxious to eliminate any possibility of legal uncertainty on the question of restricted access to western waters.
“The commission’s objective will be to ensure that in line with the EU Treaty, discriminatory restrictions are removed while preventing an increase in fishing effort and preserving fish stock in those waters,” he said.
Mr Fischler warned there are difficult days ahead for cod fishing: “We find ourselves between a rock and hard place. The advice from our own scientific and economic committee is clear. The surest way forward is a closure of the cod and associated fisheries.
“However, I am exploring other options where fishing for cod, haddock, whiting and other stocks could continue on a very limited level, provided that ministers agree on an improved recovery plan for cod in December.”
But he warned that this approach would also cause some hardship: “We need harsh measures now, because I don’t want the fishermen to be traumatised later, like the fishing communities of north-east Canada 10 years ago, when cod disappeared for good.”
Mr Fischler said representatives from the industry were being invited to Brussels on November 18 to discuss ideas for an improved recovery plan.
Minister for the Marine Dermot Ahern said the removal of restrictions on Spanish access to the Irish Box would put the future of fishing in the waters off our coast in danger of total collapse.
