Tough talks ahead on EU fishing

EU marine ministers are due to meet in Brussels today to discuss reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and the allocation of fishing quotas for 2003.

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern has said the talks are the most important negotiations on the fishing industry since Ireland joined the then EEC in 1973.

The European Commission is attempting to curtail the number of fishing vessels in operation and to slash quotas in an attempt to save rapidly dwindling fish stocks in EU waters.

Among the EC's proposals is the removal of 411 Irish vessels from the national fleet.

Spain is also seeking the abolition of the restricted fishing zone around Ireland known as the Irish Box.

Minister Ahern said he would like to see Ireland's quotas increased, but would be happy as long as the present quotas are maintained.