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…

Dr Paul Connolly is new helmsman at the Marine Institute

Marine minister Michael Creed has confirmed the appointment of Dr Paul Connolly as the Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Institute, Ireland’s state agency for marine research, technology development and innovation. The appointment follows…

Seafood export initiative to mitigate Brexit impact

A new scheme for seafood enterprises to help develop export markets also aims to mitigate potential effects of Brexit. Implemented by the seafood development and export agencies, BIM and Bord Bia, the Seafood Scaling and New Market Development…
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…

Marine tourism ‘major contribution’ to local and national economy

A report released by SEMRU - the Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit at NUI Galway -  reports total overseas coastal tourism expenditure of €1.9bn and marine tourism value topping €650m in 2018. The report presents a profile of overseas…

Marine sector shows poor state of readiness for ‘no-deal’ Brexit scenario

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on fisheries and the marine, Leas Cheann Comharile Pat the Cope Gallagher, is challenging the government's current state of readiness within the marine sector for a 'no-deal' Brexit. In a statement, deputy Gallagher…

Irish organic salmon producer tops sustainability table

Ireland's leading organic salmon producer MOWI has topped the FAIRR (Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return) Protein Producer Index for the second consecutive year. FAIRR is a collaborative network that raises awareness of how some the…