Threatened cuts to Ireland’s fish catch averted

Threatened cuts to Ireland’s fish catch were averted at the year-end agreement on fish quota when an increase worth €123m for whitefish and €60m in prawn quota was agreed.

Fisheries Minister Simon Coveney said he was relieved he managed to get an increase in prawn quota, in line with scientific advice, and a rise in hake, while maintaining current monkfish and megrim quotas.

The mixed whitefish fisheries off the south and west will see cuts to haddock, cod and whiting, although less than the original proposals from the European Commission.