Further cuts expected as fishermen continue to ignore quotas

FISHERMEN are still raiding the seas and taking 40% more fish than they are allowed to catch each year in some regions, allegedly putting the survival of several species in doubt.

As a result, the European Commission is seeking further cuts next year, with Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg warning he is completely revising the recovery plan for cod.

He also wants EU member states to agree to a new set of initiatives to tackle the problem of over-fishing that will include even tougher penalties on those caught breaking the rules.