Celtic Sea fishing industry faces major losses in 2015

Fishermen have expressed their disappointment at the “failure” of Minister Coveney to prevent quota cuts for three key stocks in the Celtic Sea (cod, haddock and whiting) which they estimate will cost the industry on the southwest of Ireland roughly €8.5m.

“It is disappointing and frustrating that the Council of Fisheries Ministers implemented these cuts …despite the industry putting in a place initiatives for selective measures that will see a significant reduction in the number of small fish discarded,” remarked Eibhlin O’Sullivan, CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO).

Castletownbere, Co Cork, Ireland’ whitefish strong hold.                                             Photo Niall Duffy

“We find it difficult to understand and disappointing why the Council of Ministers chose to implement these reductions which will only lead to increased discards – the exact thing the Council and Commission have committed to eliminate.”

She added it will be hard for fishermen to accept these reductions given the abundance of these stocks on the ground and the loss of income they will experience as a result, equivalent to six weeks quota and income.