Change in attitudes as fishing quotas welcomed

FISHERMEN, politicians and environmentalists welcomed the EU agreement on fishing quotas for next year, signalling a change in attitudes within the industry.

Nights of angst and accusations usually ended with compromises denounced by all sides, with the fishermen fearing for the future of their livelihoods and scientists warning the future was in doubt. But, when the results of the carve-up of the EU’s fishing waters was announced shortly after little more than a day of talks, it was welcomed by all sides despite some reservations.

Fish Minister Tony Killeen caught the mood when he said: “For the vast majority of us there is a realisation that there are two interests to take account of here — the fishermen who need to make a living, and those who would like to be fishing in five and ten years’ time. There is a much better understanding of the position of the scientists and the fishermen now than in the past.”