Quota policy a ‘threat to fishing’

FISHING representative groups have warned that current proposals for reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) could further threaten an already ailing industry.

The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) and the Irish Fishermen’s Organisation (IFO) yesterday called on the Government to secure a rise in fish quotas for fishermen at forthcoming talks on reviewing the CFP in Brussels in order to guarantee livelihoods in the sector.

Seán O’Donoghue of the FIF highlighted how Irish fishermen are only entitled to catch 18% of all fish in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone which are worth almost €1.2 billion. The majority are caught by Spanish, British and French trawlers.