Fisherman give cautious welcome to EU quotas

Irish fisherman have reacted cautiously to new EU fishing quotas negotiated during talks in Brussels.

EU fisheries ministers agreed that cod-fishing grounds in the Irish Sea, North Sea and west of Scotland should remain open.

Earlier proposals from the European Commission had suggested that vast swathes of ocean be declared off-limits to trawlers in an effort to protect threatened species like cod.

Other fish quotas agreed in the overnight talks vary widely depending on the kind of fish, type of vessel, and the specific fishing ground.

The mackerel quota has been slashed by 27%, which is likely to impact on bigger vessels

However Sean O'Donoghue of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation said Irish fishermen would benefit from increased quotas for white fish.

"White fish quotas in general are up all around, in the north-west, in the south-west and in the east coast," he said. "That is good news."