Brexit and the impact on fisheries: talks continue with Brussels

Irish fishing industry representatives met with the newly appointed marine minister, Dara Calleary, (22/7), to outline major challenges facing the sector relating to Brexit and fallout of the coronavirus.

The representatives made clear the ‘serious long-term issues’ their members faced if the UK’s demands for a greater share of fish stocks along with restricted access to their fishing grounds, were granted.

“Each of the representatives also set out the very difficult challenges that are arising because of the weaker markets for fish with reduced prices for many species,” he said.

“The government’s clear intention is to provide supports that will help revitalise all areas in the economy including the seafood sector. I will be working across government to devise measures to support jobs and communities over the coming period.”

The industry representatives were from the four producer organisations: Irish South & East Fish PO; Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Irish South & West Fish PO, Irish Fish Producers Organisation, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association

Virtual meeting

In talks with EU Commissioner Virginius Sinkevičius the following day, Minister Calleary outlined the “substantial impact” on the sector if significant changes were made to the current quota shares and access to UK waters:

We are placing “our full reliance” on Michel Barnier and the Commissioner to deliver on the agreed EU negotiation mandate that sets down clearly the EU objective “to uphold existing reciprocal access conditions, quota shares and traditional activity of the Union fleet”.

Minister Calleary added the “absolute necessity” that fisheries must not be negotiated in isolation from other elements of the future relationship:

“We are seeking that the EU leverage the wider EU/UK future relationship to secure the interests of the Irish and EU fishing sector.”

Minister Calleary assured the Commissioner of his “full commitment and cooperation” to work to deliver a fisheries agreement that protects the interests of Ireland’s fishing interests.

Other points of discussion included Covid-related supports, negotiations on a new EU control framework and controls challenges facing Ireland raised by the Commissioner, and commitments to sustainable fisheries.