Fishermen to face cutbacks on hake catch

THERE was bad news for Irish fishermen yesterday with cutbacks proposed in the amount of hake they can catch.

They are already facing severe cuts in their cod catch as experts warn that both species are in danger of being wiped out.

But the situation was described as a farce yesterday by fishermen's bodies that accused the European Commission of ignoring Ireland's problems. The cutbacks are intended to increase the number of adult hake in the sea by 10% a year

The total catch will be cut, the length of time vessels can spend out of port will be limited and there will be stiff rules on landing and transportation of hake.

Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler said the recovery plan was prepared after consulting the fishing industry and scientists.

"It is tailor made to help rebuild the threatened northern hake stock," he said.

But, Jason Whooley of the South and West Fishermen's Organisation said they were failing to address the real reasons that are endangering hake. "This is farcical. They know the solution but because of political interference from other member countries, they will not enforce it.

"The commission must outlaw 90 mm nets completely," he said. The banning of the small meshed nets Whooley insisted would safeguard hake stocks.