Proposed cod and whiting 2020 quotas ‘unworkable’

The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation has expressed concern over proposed cuts in Celtic Sea cod and whiting quotas for 2020. The European Commission is also proposing a 15% reduction in nephrops (prawns), a 30% reduction in monkfish and a…

‘Balanced approach’ required to 2020 TACs and quotas

The European Association of Fish Producers Organisation is calling for a balanced approach in the 2020 TAC and quotas for fisheries, to reflect both environmental and the socio-economic objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. EAPO has…

All-hands-on deck to tackle skills shortage in the fishing industry

Ireland’s seafood development agency has launched a deckhand training programme to attract young entrants to the fishing industry and arrest a skills shortage. Programme trainers include experienced mariners and former skippers who will…

Blue whiting 2020 quota gives ‘stability’ to Irish fishermen

Agreement reached between the EU, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland on the 2020 blue whiting fishery, yields a small increase to 38,500 tonnes (€11.5m) for Irish fishermen and gives "stability" in uncertain times, according to Michael…
Pelagic fishermen in Killybegs face 20% reduction in 2019 quota

Significant increase in 2020 mackerel catch

Irish pelagic fishermen have received a timely and welcome boost following negotiations on the 2020 mackerel total allowable catch (TAC), resulting in a 41% quota increase for Ireland's fleet. Seán O’Donoghue, chief executive of the Killybegs…
Irish mackerel and prawn fisheries are heavily dependent on access to UK waters

No-deal Brexit aid package for fisheries receives lukewarm response

As fishing representatives warn of "flash points" across Europe with scenes reminiscent of the cod wars of the '40s, '50' and 70s if a no-deal Brexit prevails, the €14m fisheries aid package announced in Budget 2020 has brought little comfort. While…
Mackerel

Recommended 20% increase in mackerel quota for 2020

The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas has recommended a 19.7% increase in mackerel quota in 2020. This announcement follows scientific advice in May of this year of a recommended 20% increase on 2019's Total Allowable…
Irish mackerel and prawn fisheries are heavily dependent on access to UK waters

Port blockades and widespread chaos warning in no-deal Brexit

Failure to achieve an orderly Brexit will precipitate "chaos and conflict at sea" with port blockades across Europe being a very real prospect, Seán O'Donoghue of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation has warned. Should Irish and other…
Irish mackerel and prawn fisheries are heavily dependent on access to UK waters

Fish-eye view in a ‘crash out’ post-Brexit world

In 2017, the United Kingdom submitted notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union. This means that if the Withdrawal Agreement is not ratified, the EU's primary and secondary law (including fisheries) will cease to apply to the…